Food Recovery Network believes food is a human right. We also know that wasting precious food directly harms our environment by creating excess greenhouse gases. To tackle the root causes of food waste, and simultaneously tackle the root causes of enduring food insecurity in the United States, we must look to policy to create systemic, positive change.
FRN’s advocacy efforts disrupt the status quo of an unsustainable food production system that is inaccessible to far too many people in the United States and generates food waste at all points in the system. By giving our student network the skills to engage with local, state, and national policy leaders, we can change the tide and ensure that the 34 million people in the United States facing food insecurity right now can have access to the food they deserve. We work alongside our student leaders and our network of 4,000 strong and growing to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.
Ready to take action?
Sign the petition below to show your support for The Fight for $15, a national campaign that pushes the U.S. to adopt a federal level $15 per hour minimum wage, which will be one of the biggest policy steps we can take to ensure the economic security of the 34 million people (including students!) who are food insecure.
Student-Led Advocacy
For students seeking advocacy resources to support their own initiatives on campus or in their communities, check out FRN’s helpful guides and tools.
Food recovery network’s Advocacy Initiatives
Poor People’s Campaign: Fight for $15
FRN is a partner of the Poor People’s Campaign and their commitment to #Fightfor15. A just and equitable future means people work with dignity and respect with wages that can sustain themselves and their families to secure the basic human resources we all need to survive like food and housing.
Learn more about the Fight for $15, our partners at the Poor People's Campaigns and other actions.
Watch / listen to FRN’s Executive Director, Regina Anderson, talk with Poor People’s Campaign Policy Directory, Shailly Barnes and other guests as they talk about how we can all support thriving communities by being involved.
Breaking news: the Food Donation Improvement act has been signed by president Biden
Over the past year, FRN has been advocating alongside 70+ nonprofit and corporate partners, as well as 60,000+ citizens (including our student leaders!), to pass the Food Donation Improvement Act. We are pleased to share that the FDIA has been signed by President Biden.
This is a major stride toward ending food insecurity, fighting food waste, and building a better food system for all.
FRN is thrilled to be a part of these advocacy efforts alongside WeightWatchers, Food Tank, Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic, and so many others.
Be sure to check out this letter from FDIA cosponsor, Senator Richard Blumenthal, thanking all of us for our advocacy efforts!
Tools and Resources for Becoming Involved in the Democratic Process
Know Your Rights: Voter’s Information Panel
Nervous about voting? FRN Executive Director Regina Anderson and SAAB member Angela Lin, talked with FRN alum Dominique Mitchell, and FRNd of FRN Tony Eskridge about what they’ve been hearing from young people during the 2022 voting cycle. We discussed the history of voting and why you may feel uncomfortable or confused about voting (and why that's okay!).
check out these other resources on food waste and food insecurity
The White House Statement on the Key Deliverables for the 2023 North American Leaders’ Summit
FRN’s Executive Director, Regina Anderson gave her thoughts on the FDIA in Sustainable Brands’ article, Food Donation Improvement Act Brings Measured Change, Opportunity to Reduce US Food Waste
conversation with Robert Egger: how to break the mold on “Traditional” Advocacy
Robert Egger is lifelong “power of food” champion and the originator of the Community Kitchen movement. In this engaging conversation, he spoke about his fascinating career and how students can engage in advocacy to build better food systems. Watch the recording to learn more!
#FUELHigherEd
In 2020-2021, FRN participated in the #FUELHigherEd campaign, led by the Campus Hunger Project. Throughout the 2020-2021 year, we guided students to end food insecurity on college campuses by connecting with state and federal representatives. Learn more about the outcomes of this initiative on our blog.