In the heart of Ohio, a researcher is stirring up a new recipe for engaging the next generation in the complex world of food systems. Jera E. Niewoehner-Green, from The Ohio State University, is not just studying how to feed the world, but how to inspire youth to become the chefs, farmers, and policymakers who will shape our food future. Her latest work, published in Advancements in Agricultural Development, delves into the ways programs are empowering young people to tackle food systems issues, and the results are as nourishing as they are thought-provoking.
Imagine a world where every young person sees themselves as a problem-solver in the food system. Where they understand the intricate dance of education, policy, agriculture, and health that keeps our plates full. This is the world Niewoehner-Green is working towards. Her research explores how programs are already doing this, and the findings are a feast of insights.
Niewoehner-Green interviewed program leaders who incorporate food system topics into their curricula. She found that while there’s a common theme of positive youth development, the ways programs empower youth vary greatly. Some focus on intentional empowerment approaches, others on viewing and supporting youth as leaders, and some on educating about food systems issues.
One program leader shared, “We’re not just about community service anymore. We’re about community engagement. We want youth to see the issues, understand them, and then take action.”
This shift from service to engagement is a significant one. It’s about moving from raking leaves to understanding why the leaves are falling, and what that means for the ecosystem. It’s about empowering youth to ask questions, seek answers, and drive change.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? Well, food and energy are two sides of the same coin. The food system is a massive consumer of energy, and the energy sector is a significant player in the food system. As youth become more engaged in food systems issues, they’ll also be engaging with energy issues. They’ll be the ones driving innovation in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and more.
Niewoehner-Green’s research is a call to action. It’s a reminder that the future of our food system lies in the hands of our youth. And it’s a challenge to the energy sector to engage with these young people, to support them, and to learn from them.
As Niewoehner-Green puts it, “We need to move past the idea of youth as passive recipients of knowledge. They’re active agents of change, and they’re ready to engage with food systems issues. The question is, are we ready to engage with them?”
The energy sector would do well to heed this call. The future is not just about feeding the world, it’s about empowering the world to feed itself. And that future is in the hands of our youth. So, let’s engage with them, support them, and learn from them. Because the food system of tomorrow is being shaped today, and it’s being shaped by youth.