Food For Thought

The Food for Thought series isn’t just about sharing meals—it’s about sharing purpose. Food connects us all, yet for millions worldwide, access to nutritious food remains a daily struggle. Hosted by World Food Program USA, this dinner series brings people together to explore the intersections of food, culture, and humanitarian impact. By uniting food enthusiasts, changemakers, the private sector, and thought leaders, Food for Thought transforms meals into powerful conversations about resilience, culture, and shared purpose. Through partnerships with chefs and culinary influencers, the Food for Thought series highlights cuisines inspired by the regions served by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). These gatherings celebrate traditions, foster connection, and inspire action for a hunger-free world. At WFP USA, we believe food is a powerful force for connection, compassion, and change—uniting us in the fight to end hunger. 

Previous Event Highlights 

Food for Thought – New York City 

June 15, 2023 

The Food for Thought series began with a private dinner hosted by culinary creator and WFP High Level Supporter Eitan Bernath. Over 25 influencers, media leaders, World Food Program USA leadership and local changemakers gathered for an inspiring evening exploring the intersection of food, culture and humanitarian impact. While enjoying cuisine from Ethiopia, Southeast Asia and Latin America, guests learned more about our mission and how to get engaged. 

Food for Thought – Chicago 

April 23, 2024  

Our second Food for Thought event was co-hosted by WFP Goodwill Ambassador and Chef Andrew Zimmern at BIAN, through the generous donation of an event space by The Boka Group. The evening celebrated the culture and resilience of Zambia. Following welcome remarks by Barron Segar, World Food Program USA President and CEO, Andrew previewed a clip from the mini docuseries he filmed in Zambia that highlights impactful WFP programs, “Paving the Way to Zero Hunger”, and reflected on his trip there. He shared the stories of dynamic women small-holder farmers who work with WFP to integrate climate-smart farming practices and others who belong to a women-led savings and loan group that supports and invests in the growth of their small businesses. He also visited the student-run hydroponics garden the school uses to supplement their lunches with nutritious greens and vegetables. The evening culminated with a surprise performance by Zambian American opera singer Emily Mwila.