Turning Guilt Into Action: Twenty-Somethings Leading Change

Billy Shore
Jul 28, 2017 · 2 min read

Do you have to be a certain age to solve a problem in your community? In this week’s inspiring and powerful episode of Add Passion and Stir, Debbie and I spoke with two twenty-somethings from the next generation of leaders. Former No Kid Hungry Youth Ambassador and recent University of New Hampshire college graduate Alana Davidson and 24-year old chef and owner Bobby Pradachith from Thip Khao in DC are already making big impacts in their communities. When Alana discovered that a quarter of her college classmates struggled with hunger, she sprang into action by contacting the governor and the dean of students. “I couldn’t sit on the number,” she says. “I had to do something about it.” Her efforts resulted in Swipe It Forward, a stigma-free meal donation program for any student experiencing food insecurity. Chef Bobby leads his unique Lao restaurant — the only one in DC — with bold and authentic menu options that both intrigue American diners and minimize food waste. “We don’t hold back,” he promises.

What is perhaps the most inspiring part is that despite their accomplishments, both millennial superstars remain driven to increase their impact going forward. Alana is looking forward to graduate school at Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, and a future working on federal food policy. “Nutrition is never one of the national priorities,” she laments. “Food is used as a tool to keep people in poverty… How can we have a conversation around nutrition that isn’t polarized or too political because we all have to eat.” Chef Bobby plans to increase his involvement with helping those less fortunate both here and in Laos.

For me, speaking with these young people brought to mind the military term ‘show of force.’ What if America’s show of force was: We’re going to have the strongest generation in history because we’re going to feed them and educate them. We’re going to invest in kids and health and nutrition and access to food for everyone. These issues really do affect our nation’s strength. I hope you listen to this episode and are as inspired as we were by these two young leaders — here, on iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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