Amplifying Youth Voices in Food Systems

In this inspiring episode of Bite the Talk, host Mark Gachagua sits down with Eugenia Cho, an Act for Food youth leader, to explore the critical role of young people in shaping sustainable, equitable, and inclusive food systems. From her beginnings in Hong Kong, where she first learned about the environmental and ethical impacts of industrial agriculture, Eugenia shares how her curiosity led her to uncover the deep connections between food, health, climate, education, and culture.


Eugenia discusses how food is an interdisciplinary entry point for change—affecting every aspect of life and society—and why empowering youth to have a genuine voice in decision-making is essential. She introduces listeners to Act for Food, a global campaign hosted by The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), which unites 25 youth leaders worldwide to champion local and indigenous foods, promote school nutrition, and hold multinational corporations accountable.


Listeners hear about the challenges young advocates face in accessing high-level policy spaces, such as UN forums, and the danger of tokenistic engagement. Eugenia highlights the importance of meaningful inclusion, where youth perspectives influence actual decisions rather than being symbolic.


The conversation also explores practical strategies for overcoming barriers—such as building strong networks, leveraging mentorship, and engaging in youth-adult partnerships that blend innovative ideas with experienced guidance. Eugenia shares her personal success stories from cold-messaging peers and mentors, leading to unexpected opportunities like attending the UN’s High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.


Together, Mark and Eugenia identify solutions for institutions—governments, NGOs, and the private sector—to better support youth engagement, emphasizing the creation of dedicated spaces for youth input, financial and skill-building investment, and the integration of youth-led initiatives into organizational priorities.


When imagining speaking to world leaders at the United Nations, Eugenia explains she would tailor her message to each policymaker’s field, connecting food system transformation to climate goals, educational outcomes, cultural preservation, and public health. Her key point: food is connected to everything, and transforming food systems has ripple effects across all sectors.


The episode closes with Eugenia’s call to action: start with what you know. Whether through art, coding, agriculture, or activism, every skill can contribute to building better food systems. This movement thrives on uniting diverse talents toward a shared goal—balancing what people are good at with what the world needs.


Mark reinforces the message that youth voices are not optional—they are indispensable in creating a sustainable and just food future. From students to farmers to activists, everyone has a role in the transformation.


Bottom line: Youth are 25% of the population but 100% of the future—and their involvement is the change the food system needs.


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