World Food Program USA Launches Zero Hunger Activist Council With Influential Creatives to Mobilize Young People in Movement to End Global Hunger
Bailey Bass, Drea Okeke, Maddy DeVita and Manolo Gonzalez Vergara Join Forces in New Multi-Year Effort
Washington, D.C. (August 19, 2024) On this World Humanitarian Day, World Food Program USA is proud to announce the launch of its Zero Hunger Activist Council, uniting with socially conscious and passionate young creatives who share the commitment to solving the global hunger crisis. Working under the guidance of World Food Program USA, the U.S. nonprofit affiliate of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the Council will help educate and mobilize younger audiences, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, in the Zero Hunger movement.
The Council is coming together at a time when hunger levels are soaring around the world, with 309 million people facing extreme hunger and 37 million people on the brink of starvation or worse. Through creative storytelling and advocacy, council members will bring to light the empowering stories of individuals persevering in the face of hunger, emphasizing our shared humanity and experiences. They’ll showcase the behind the scenes work of humanitarians, create digital content, and join special events that inspire young people to join the movement to end global hunger.
“Global hunger is one of the most pressing issues of our time, tied to climate change, conflict, and inequality – all issues that young people have a critical stake in. With passion and resolve, we know that hunger is solvable, which is why we’re so thrilled to see this new Council of creatives use their voice and platforms to educate, advocate, fundraise and inspire,” said Jessamyn Sarmiento, Chief Marketing Officer of World Food Program USA.
The following creatives have joined the inaugural Council class:
Bailey Bass: Known for her role in James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of the Water, and Avatar’s 3 through 5, Bailey is an advocate for sustainability, frequently speaking at climate conferences, including at the United Nations.
“I’ve always been passionate about using my platform for good. I recognize that when I speak people listen, therefore, what I say matters. I’ve spoken at the U.N. before for ocean conservation and I’ve been in awe of their work. WFP is a powerful extension of that. In 2023, WFP fed 160 million people, empowering communities. I jumped at the chance to be able to spread this message and support this important cause.”
Drea Okeke: Recognized by New York Magazine’s The Cut as one of “The Best TikTokers to Follow,” Drea is a content creator and entertainer renowned for her relatable comedic skits and videos that amplify her Nigerian culture.
“I’m thrilled and honored to join the Zero Hunger Activist Council and collaborate with such inspiring individuals. My passion for empowering youth and fostering sustainable development aligns perfectly with the World Food Programme’s mission. I’m particularly excited about leveraging our collective influence to raise awareness about global hunger and inspire meaningful action.”
Maddy DeVita: Global health student turned private chef, recipe developer and content creator, Maddy is an advocate for food security, with experience working in Central America to feed underserved communities.
“I studied Global Health at Georgetown, and, following graduation, I joined the emergency response team at a nonprofit focused on global health. During my time there, I worked directly with WFP while responding to health crises around the world and got to witness their incredible work firsthand. Now, as a private chef, I am thrilled to join the Zero Hunger Activist Council and tie my passion for food with my background in the nonprofit sector. It truly feels like a full-circle moment to share the mission of WFP with the online community I’ve built while documenting my own evolution in the food industry.”
Manolo Gonzalez Vergara: An actor, director, and founder of TOMA, a restaurant celebrating Latin American flavors co-owned with actress Sofia Vergara, Manolo has a passion for culinary arts and philanthropy.
“I am incredibly excited and honored to work with the WFP, who for decades have led the charge in providing food aid to those who need it the most and who are the most vulnerable. The world has a surplus of food and yet there are millions of people who suffer from chronic or acute hunger, whether it be from political factors or natural disasters, and though it can seem like an uphill battle, there is always something more we can do to help eradicate these extreme cases, which is why I am proud to join such an illustrious organization along with my wonderful councilors.”
In September, the Council will participate in events during the time of the United Nations General Assembly. In particular, the Council will join a panel discussion at Food Tank’s Climate Week NYC Summit held at WNYC-NPR Studios on September 26. The conversation will focus on advocacy and the next generation of changemakers within the food and climate space, emphasizing sustainability efforts and opportunities to address the global hunger crisis.
Learn more and stay updated on Council activities, visit www.wfpusa.org/zero-hunger-activist-council.
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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 United Nations World Food Programme by mobilizing American policymakers, businesses and individuals to advance the global movement to end hunger. To learn more about World Food Program USA’s mission, please visit wfpusa.org/mission-history.
Media Contact:
Toula Athas
Communications Director
World Food Program USA
TAthas@wfpusa.org
202-627-3940
