On Tuesday, Iowa State’s Food Insecurity Challenge Kickoff invited students to turn awareness into action by forming teams to develop practical solutions for those struggling with access to food.
Daniel Robison, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, explained his thoughts on how entrepreneurship and innovation can contribute to real solutions for food insecurity.
“Our challenge invites student teams to develop new ideas, some of which are ready for implementation and others that require further refinement,” Robison said. “We aim to inspire students to address this problem throughout their careers.”
Emery Rinderknecht, a junior studying accounting, described her initial thoughts on this event after attending.
“I came into this experience with an open mind, and it turned out to be eye-opening,” Rinderknecht said. “It allowed me to gain insight into the challenges others face, revealing aspects I had not appreciated due to my own privilege.”
Rinderknecht explained what motivated her to want to participate in this event.
“I actually participated in my first case competition a couple of weeks ago,” Rinderknecht said. “My team really wanted to try something else, research new topics and help the community.”
Judi Eyles, director of programs for business administration, said she believes this event can help challenge or correct misconceptions about food insecurity.
“There is a perception that it happens somewhere else, along with the stigma that currently surrounds it,” Eyles said. “I do not think people are completely aware that it is in all of our communities.”
Robison highlighted how events like this can make a lasting difference rather than just raising awareness for one night.
“The food insecurity challenge, now in its fourth year, raises awareness about the lack of access to nutritious food,” Robison said. “We should be innovative in helping those in need. This event unites students to find better solutions.”
Robison added what he believes is the main message that the campus community will take away from this event.
“Food insecurity is here in Ames, in Story County, and that we all have an obligation to do something about it,” Robison said.
Eyles said she hopes this event will have an impact on the Iowa State community in the long term.
“Initially, awareness of food insecurity is not just across the world; it is here too,” Eyles said. “Secondly, I hope it inspires students to want to take action, then to put their thoughts into an idea.”
At the end of the banquet, students got into groups based on similar challenges they wanted to brainstorm ideas to combat these challenges.
Students will perform their solutions Nov. 18 in the Memorial Union.
