A major component of the National Strategy coming out of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health is reliant on partnerships with companies and nonprofits. In fact, private companies have committed over $8 billion in investments to help reach the White House’s goals.
What’s very clear coming out of this groundswell of information and discussion on hunger, nutrition and health is the need for collaboration on actioning these strategies as a united front. This is perhaps nowhere more important than the intersection between solutions for eradicating hunger and improving environmental sustainability.
Specifically called out in the National Strategy released last week, the Biden-Harris Administration would like to better understand how nutrition security is interrelated with challenges and opportunities in the use of natural resources to ensure optimal long-term health.
How should food, ingredient, agriculture, health, and CPG communications professionals be approaching conversations and action on the intersection of nutrition insecurity, hunger, health of people and planetary health?
Here’s our take on how to develop and communicate brand-centric environmental sustainability goals that address the strategies laid out by the Biden-Harris Administration, implement commitments that are action oriented, and create sustainable solutions to eradicate hunger and improve health through partnerships.
Developing and Communicating Goals
It is important for brands to recognize their capabilities when it comes to being part of the solution to eradicate hunger and improve the health of humans and the planet. They must:
- Understand the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals with an emphasis on Goal 2: Zero Hunger.
- Create an in-house strategy addressing food insecurity.
- Find innovative solutions for food waste, food loss and climate mitigation.
Data and Analytics
Use data to connect hunger and health. Often times we don’t think of data as a key to a potential solution when it comes to challenges of hunger and food insecurity. The challenge is complex; however, being equipped with sound data, scientists and researchers to use data analytics, AI and other technologies to make healthier foods more accessible for all is part of the solution.
- Understand the impact of data analytics on food insecurity.
- Address supply chain issues.
Implementing Actionable Commitments
While we have seen commitments across sectors to improve the lives of those who are food insecure, commitments are not enough. We need to seize the opportunity to turn actionable goals into meaningful and measurable results; it’s time to take pledges to implementation.
- Create an advisory committee to guide implementation of the conference’s National Strategy as well as incorporate calls for additional research into any ongoing programs.
- Align food policy and programs with the administration’s climate goals.
Improving Health and Eradicating Hunger Through Partnerships
- Support relationship and trust building with community partners to drive engagement and cross-sector collaboration.
- Forge successful social impact partnerships.
- Look within the community you serve.
Food is a fundamental human right and we all have a role to play in eradicating hunger. With nearly 14 million households, 10.5% of the US population, not having enough food, the need for strategy and collaboration are more important than ever.
If you’re interested in being part of the historic National Strategy to eradicate hunger and improve the health of people and the planet, Ketchum’s sustainability experts, Registered Dietitians and health equity professionals are ready to talk with you today.
