To address food insecurity among youth, DREAMS+DUCATS, a non-profit education consultant institution, in partnership with UCSD Youth Advisory Council (YAC), hosted a youth-led discussion “Journey to Impact” on food insecurity.
Four YAC members - Amy, Arthur, Ashley, and Sabrina – alongside UCSD student Julianne were panelists. Amy, Ashley, and Sabrina are from the Preuss School of UC San Diego. Each brought their personal experiences and insights to the discussion. They discussed many topics, from the stigmatization of asking the government for food assistance to the economic and accessibility barriers to healthy food.
The San Diego Hunger Coalition reports that in San Diego County, approximately 202,000 children face food insecurity in 2023. It makes up one-third of the region’s population facing hunger. Childhood food insecurity affects health, education, and overall well-being. “Journey to Impact” mobilized the community toward meaningful action. Amy shared her experience with the stigma surrounding food security and emphasized understanding and empathy. Arthur highlighted the high cost of living as a significant barrier, while Sabrina addressed common misconceptions about families reliant on government aid. Julianne provided insights into institutional solutions within universities, and Ashley focused on raising community awareness.
This event acts as a link for networking and collaboration. Representatives from the San Diego Food Bank, Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), and San Diego Hunger Coalition were present. They offered attendees opportunities for connections.
“Journey to Impact” has set the stage for a diversity of ongoing dialogues, policy changes, and the implementation of new programs. It puts young people in the spotlight of solution-based discussion and action. Since its inception in 2017, the institution has inspired over a thousand people.
To stay updated on future events and how you can contribute to making a difference, please visit DREAMS+DUCATS’ website. The journey to impact will continue in shaping a better tomorrow.
