By Maya van der Woerd, Canadian Foodgrains Bank
In recent years, the combined impacts of climate change, conflict, and COVID-19 have driven global hunger to alarming levels. As a founding member of Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB)—a partnership working to end hunger worldwide—World Renew sees firsthand how crucial the voices of young people are in raising awareness and mobilizing action.
Hunger on the Hill – Young Voices, held in Canada’s capital, Ottawa, helps amplify these voices and encourages the next generation of advocates to engage decision-makers and create change.
Allison Hessels, a policy advisor for Grain Farmers Ontario—an agricultural organization in Canada—and a proud descendant of farmers, participated in the April 2024 Hunger on the Hill event to advocate for people experiencing hunger around the world.
Allison’s journey to advocacy began at Drayton Christian Reformed Church, where she first learned about CFGB. Her participation in a World Renew learning tour to Nicaragua further influenced her passion for international development and sparked her interest in advocating for a world without hunger. It was on this tour that she met a World Renew staff member who later encouraged her to apply for Hunger on the Hill.
Reflecting on her time at Young Voices, Allison says, “For me, Hunger on the Hill is bringing the voice of everyday Canadians to Parliament to say, ‘This issue is really important to us,’ even if it’s not making headlines.”
“[Hunger on the Hill] really showed me the power of using your voice as a voter, as a Canadian, as a local constituent. Your elected representatives will listen,” Allison added. Her words highlight the importance of individuals taking advocacy actions to draw attention to critical issues like hunger, and the influence it can have on political decisions.
When asked if she would recommend this training and advocacy event to others, Allison responded enthusiastically:
“I would say do it for sure. It was an empowering experience because if you feel really strongly that you want to do something for world hunger and you don’t know where to start, this is a great place. Using your voice is, I think, the most important thing that we can do.”
The opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals was also valuable, Allison shared. “You also meet a really meaningful network of people who are all really fascinated by [the same issue].”
Next Steps for Change
Allison’s journey and insights serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that young advocates can have. Hunger on the Hill – Young Voices provides a platform for young people to speak up while building a community where anyone, regardless of their experience level, can join the fight against global hunger.
We invite you to explore opportunities to take action with World Renew. If you’re interested in growing your advocacy journey, consider participating in initiatives like CFGB’s Hunger on the Hill or similar advocacy efforts that equip individuals to engage with decision-makers and address global hunger.
World Renew regularly shares new ways to get involved through its e-news and events page, offering opportunities for people at all levels of experience to engage through learning, collaboration, and advocacy. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just beginning, your voice matters—and it can help drive meaningful change.
