Teens Take Charge in the Movement to End Hunger

Across the country, young people are stepping up to address hunger in their communities—and Feeding America Youth Ambassadors are leading the way. Turning their passion for ending hunger into creative, hands-on projects ranging from fundraisers to awareness campaigns and local service initiatives, Youth Ambassadors are moving us closer to a future where everyone has the food they need to thrive.

In Hollister, CA, Jaqueline is working with the San Benito Community Food Bank to create food product information cards that include health benefits and meal preparation ideas. Jaqueline hopes to support neighbors to feel confident preparing meals using the food they access through the food bank. 

At age 13, Caroline (at left) launched Westfield Seeds of Change, collecting excess produce from neighborhood gardens and donating it to the St. James Food Pantry.  Over the past three years, Westfield Seeds of Change has donated over 600 pounds of fresh produce, while promoting service, community engagement and access to fresh food.  

In Fresno, CA, Jade (at right) is working with the local University Presbyterian Church Food Pantry and Central California Food Bank to set up free monthly dental hygiene distributions. Jade aims to improve access to oral hygiene supplies and oral health education for neighbors accessing the University Presbyterian Church Food Pantry. 

Siblings Aashrita and Anish built Pizza for a Purpose, a smartphone app that allows South Florida pizzerias to donate fresh pizza to local food pantries. Over the past two years, Pizza for a Purpose has helped neighbors facing hunger gain access to 25,000 slices of pizza.  

Eila and Elspeth started the Student Service Network, helping students easily find and connect with volunteer opportunities in the DC metropolitan area, including with the Capital Area Food Bank. Student Service Network compiles 100+ organizations that users can filter based on interests, age, schedule, location, and more.   

In Pittsburgh, PA, Rowan hosts Produce of the Week, raising awareness about food insecurity at the local farmers market through coloring sheets of seasonal fruit and vegetables. Each coloring sheet includes a nutritious recipe using the featured produce, along with QR codes connecting community members to opportunities to volunteer or donate to the local food bank or access food assistance.  

In El Paso, TX, Hunter (below, right) spent the summer partnering with El Paso Fighting Hunger and the El Paso School District, carrying out bi-weekly food distributions. Together, they raised funds and supported 15 families experiencing food insecurity in accessing pre-packaged food boxes.  

Claire has hosted her annual Thanksgiving Drive since 2021, raising more than $20,000 for the San Luis Obispo Food Banks. Through partnership with Talley Farms, a local produce distributor, and Poor Richard's Press, a local printing company, Claire distributes thousands of flyers throughout the community, promoting the Thanksgiving Drive and spreading awareness about food insecurity in her community.  

In Los Angeles, CA, Ella and Lily (Lily, left) are producing a documentary that follows the journey of donated food through the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and one of its partner agencies. By documenting the warehouse operations, food distribution process, and the people who make it all possible, the film explores the network behind the scenes working to combat food insecurity across Los Angeles.  

These projects highlight the many ways teens are stepping up and impacting change. Every action—from joining a volunteer shift to hosting a food drive—strengthens communities and creates a ripple effect that extends beyond a single act of service.

Feeling inspired? Learn more about ways to take action with Feeding America.