Recommendations for the U.S. federal government:

1. Participants agreed that food security is national security, and the federal government should allocate the appropriate resources to reflect that. The government must invest in cultivating a pioneering and innovative nature for our food system, bringing it to the top of its list of priorities.

2. The power of universal basic income to address poverty was noted multiple times throughout the discussion.

3. Multiple panelists also mentioned universal school meals as a simple yet powerful tool to create change—as well as teaching children how to cook as part of basic school curriculum.

4. Discussion on the federal government’s role in solving hunger and food insecurity focused on inclusivity, democratization of the food system, and trust in local communities. This means being
less prescriptive in policies, resources, and recommendations and allowing communities to solve for themselves.

Recommendations for local, state, territory, and Tribal governments, private sector,
nonprofit and community groups:

1. Throughout the discussion, panelists agreed that a transdisciplinary approach to nutrition data collection and research is critical. This means bringing in all voices to better understand the lived experience of the hungry and food insecure, as well as working across sectors.

2. Participants agreed that research needs to not only look at the number of hungry people but understand the other systems in place that hinder the ability to get nutritious foods.

3. Evidence such as storytelling is devalued in the broader conversation about how to address hunger and food insecurity, but panelists said that the nuances of conversation allow for open-ended opportunities to listen to what communities need.