August 12th is International Youth Day and this year it is dedicated to the theme of Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health. The day is a way to celebrate the efforts and achievements of young people already at the forefront of food systems change.

“When you’re thinking about the health of the next generation, if you want the population of your country to not emigrate, to be economically viable citizens, while also having a country that’s happy, and having an environment that’s sustainable and long lasting into the future, you really need to listen to young people,” U.N. Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) youth champion and Act4Food Act4Change campaigner Sophie Healy-Thow tells Food Tank.

To celebrate International Youth Day, Food Tank is highlighting 20 youth movements and organizations working towards a more just and sustainable food system. These young people are bringing about positive change to the food system by addressing issues such as Indigenous peoples’ rights, feminism, food sovereignty, food apartheid, urban agriculture, circular economies, and so much more.