On October 26, 2026, HealthEd Connect participated in a dialogue that brought together a distinguished panel of experts to examine the global hunger crisis, share insights from their work, and explore pathways toward a more food-secure future.
As food insecurity remains a critical concern facing the communities where we work, this dialogue aimed to educate, encourage, and empower attendees. James Ash, J.D., Community of Christ Human Rights Team lead, and Emily Penrose-McLaughlin, HealthEd Connect Executive Director, co-moderated the dialogue. Elene Cleote, President and CEO of Outreach International, and her team, managed the chat room and questions.
We encourage you to watch the recorded dialogue to learn from the panelists and find out what you can do!
Summary of Key Insights from the Panel
During the 90-minute discussion, panel members analyzed the complex root causes behind the recent escalation in global hunger, while emphasizing proven solutions that are already saving lives:
Hunger vs. Malnutrition: While the terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct challenges. Hunger refers to an empty stomach or insufficient caloric intake. Malnutrition refers to the severe physical toll caused by getting the wrong kind of nutrients, too few essential micronutrients, or an unbalanced diet. True food security requires essential micronutrients—not just calorie intake—which is especially vital for pregnant mothers and young children during critical developmental windows.
Compounding Global Headwinds: A confluence of geopolitical conflicts (such as wars in Ukraine and the Middle East), extreme El Niño weather patterns, rising inflation, and severe cuts in international development assistance have reversed decades of steady progress, creating an acute crisis for vulnerable families.
Proven, Scalable Solutions Exist: We already possess the knowledge to end hunger. Successful interventions—such as large-scale food fortification, biofortified crops (like orange-fleshed sweet potatoes), Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF), cash transfer safety nets, and empowering women smallholder farmers—demonstrate that targeted investment yields immediate, long-term impact.
Food Security as a National Priority: Elevating food and nutrition security at the center of foreign and domestic policy is a fundamental prerequisite for solving broader challenges in global health, economic stability, and climate resilience.
What Individuals Can Do to Respond
The panel wrapped up the discussion by sharing insights into what individuals can do to address the situation. Here are a few quotes from that positive, hopeful conversation.
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it. ... There are charities out there. America remains the most generous people on the planet, and I think your own generosity at any level to a charity that's tackling the issues of hunger and malnutrition is incredibly meaningful.”— Shawn Baker
“It doesn't matter whether it's a small amount or a large amount, you every day can show up and make a difference in your community, and that is having an impact.”— Lisa Moon
“Vote. Vote for people who believe these issues are important and are willing to make a difference in their respective offices on the challenges that this country and the world are now facing.”— Ertharin Cousin
Meet the Esteemed Panelists
Shawn Baker: Chief Programs and Partnerships Officer at Helen Keller Intl.; former Chief Nutritionist at USAID; the first Director of Nutrition at the Gates Foundation
David Beckmann: World Food Prize laureate; recipient of the Community of Christ International Peace Award; served as President of Bread for the World for 29 years and currently advises on multiple boards addressing world hunger
Ertharin Cousin: Managing Director and CEO of Food Systems for the Future Institute; former Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme; and US Ambassador to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture
Cary Fowler: World Food Prize Laureate; founder/president of the Food Security Leadership Council; former Special Envoy for Global Food Security; and is widely known as the 'father' of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Dan Glickman: Chair of Hunger Free America and Co-Chair of the Advisory Board of World Food Program USA; former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and former Congressman
Lisa Moon: President and CEO of The Global FoodBanking Network; serves on the boards of the European Food Banks Federation and the Lineage Foundation for Good