Social Justice Awards 2026 Fall

“Nourishing the Future: Advancing Global Food Security”

Across the globe, millions of people continue to struggle with barriers that prevent them from accessing sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. According to recent United Nations estimates reported in The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, approximately 700–735 million people worldwide face chronic hunger, while over 2 billion people experience moderate or severe food insecurity, meaning they lack reliable access to adequate nutrition. At the same time, nearly one‑third of all food produced globally — roughly 1.3 billion tons each year — is lost or wasted, revealing a significant imbalance between supply and access.

The World Food Programme reports that hundreds of millions of people face acute food insecurity, often driven by conflict, economic instability, climate change, and supply chain disruptions. Rising food prices and inflation have further reduced purchasing power, especially among low‑income populations, making healthy diets increasingly unaffordable in many parts of the world.

Children are among the most vulnerable. Recent global estimates indicate that well over 100 million children under the age of five suffer from stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition, a condition that can limit physical development, learning ability, and long‑term opportunity. When families cannot access stable and nutritious food, the consequences extend beyond hunger — affecting health systems, education outcomes, economic productivity, and community stability.

The world produces enough food to feed its population, yet hunger persists. The issue is not simply one of scarcity, but of inequality, affordability, and systemic barriers. Food security is therefore not only an agricultural concern — it is an issue of justice, sustainability, and human dignity.

We Must Act Now.

Prompts

1. “Freedom is meaningless if people cannot put food in their stomachs.” - Nelson Mandela. How do you understand this quote?

2. Why does hunger persist in a world capable of producing enough food for everyone?

3. Should food be treated primarily as a market commodity or as a public good?

4. Share a personal experience or observation related to food access in your community or country. What did this experience teach you about inequality or responsibility?

All candidates must answer one of these questions via writing, speech, or artwork.

Entry Requirements

Entry is open to students from any country and any school. Candidates must be 20 years old or younger on the date of the submission deadline.

Key Dates​​

Submission deadline: EST 11:59 PM on 10th September 2026

Short-listed candidates will be notified before 1st October 2026

Winners will be announced on 15th October 2026

Awards
Each major category will award one Grand Prize, First Prize, Second Prize, Third Prize, and Short-list.

The Grand Prize winner will receive a cash prize of $150 or 1000 RMB.