New movement challenges Gen Z to take on global hunger relief on their own terms
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 9, 2025) – World Food Program USA is proud to launch the Zero Hunger Generation, a new program for young people to mobilize around global hunger relief through educational, service-oriented and career-building activities. Leveraging a gamified points system and Gen Z’s inclination toward social action, the program aims to develop a powerful network of young people with the skills, knowledge and passion to take on one of the world’s greatest injustices.
“Hunger is the world’s most solvable problem, and young people want to help. The Zero Hunger Generation helps close the distance between those facing hunger in distant places and young Americans here at home,” said Barron Segar, President and CEO of World Food Program USA.
More than 343 million people — about the same as the U.S. population — face life-threatening levels of hunger resulting from conflict, climate extremes and a broken food system. Sharp budget cuts have forced the World Food Programme (WFP) and other aid groups to reduce rations, scale back innovative projects and, in some cases, halt operations. As government funding for international assistance faces an uncertain future, Gen Z’s voice has never been more important.
A generation raised with access to people and stories from around the world, Gen Z demonstrates strong feelings of global interconnectedness. Polling conducted by World Food Program USA in 2024 showed that the top international cause Gen Zers are likely to donate to was ending global hunger, a distinction from other generations. The Zero Hunger Generation will not only serve to build on Gen Z’s interest in solving global hunger, it will provide college students and young professionals with a community of like-minded peers and a vehicle for meaningful action.
“Zero Hunger Generation was developed with Gen Z in mind, blending resume-building with passion and purpose,” said Chase Sova, Vice President of Advocacy & Engagement at World Food Program USA. “It’s gamified, replicable and easy for partner organizations to plug into. We’re excited to see young people join this movement and take it to new heights.”
Aimed at those aged 18-35 during its pilot launch, the platform allows participants to track their progress, earning points for completing actions that contribute to the cause. Participants can engage in year-round opportunities alongside unique pop-up actions with partners and influencers; each designed to educate and mobilize efforts against hunger. Examples include webinars, book clubs, volunteerism, advocacy actions and fundraisers, with offerings updated every quarter. With each action, participants can gain access to exclusive events with World Food Program USA and opportunities for professional development.
Join the Zero Hunger Generation by visiting: www.wfpusa.org/ZHG
About World Food Program USA
World Food Program USA, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, D.C., proudly supports the mission of the World Food Programme by mobilizing American policymakers, businesses and individuals to advance the global movement to end hunger. To support or learn more about World Food Program USA’s mission, please visit wfpusa.org.
Media Contacts:
Toula Athas
World Food Program USA
tathas@wfpusa.org
