Imagine trying to solve hunger without knowing who is hungry. Metrics matter: they guide action, reveal gaps, and hold us accountable. Without good measurement, even the best intentions can fall short. And recent events show just how critical these metrics are.

Last month, the USDA announced it will no longer publish its annual Household Food Insecurity in the U.S. report—ending three decades of consistent, transparent reporting on food hardship in America. The measure certainly wasn’t perfect, as no large-scale survey is, but for years it provided a clear, credible picture of how many households struggle to afford enough food for a healthy life—most recently, more than 18 million.

The decision is troubling. We measure what we value, and reliable data helps policymakers, researchers, and communities understand who is most affected and whether interventions are working. Without it, we lose an essential tool for accountability and for guiding resources to the people and places that need them most.

As USDA stepped back, global partners took a step forward. Our Growing Forward series spotlighted the new Global Food and Nutrition Security Dashboard—a collaborative effort led by Zacharey Carmichael and colleagues at the World Bank, alongside global NGOs and private sector innovators, to provide real-time visibility into emerging food crises. By predicting risks earlier and helping decision-makers act faster, tools like theirs can prevent hunger from becoming a catastrophe.

At GFI, we’re focused on fostering that same spirit of transparency and collaboration—because we know that understanding the problem is the first step to solving it. We’ll continue this conversation at our Food and Agriculture Policy Summit on October 28, where Zacharey and other leaders will discuss how to build a more equitable, resilient food system—one rooted in evidence, partnership, and action. I hope you’ll join us.

-Stacy Dean
Carbonell Family Executive Director
Global Food Institute

What happens when cutting-edge university research meets a network of food leaders shaping policy and practice on the ground? With generous support from José Andrés’ Longer Tables Fund, GFI is embarking on a multi-year partnership with the Aspen Institute’s Food Leaders Fellowship to bridge research and real-world impact—tackling today’s most pressing food system challenges together.

In a new STAT op ed, GFI’s Priya Fielding-Singh and affiliate faculty member Allison Sylvetsky encourage the administration to consider how it could more comprehensively improve children’s diets—by addressing not only sugar, but also non-sugar sweeteners. They note that nearly one-third of U.S. children now consume products with these additives, yet their long-term health effects remain poorly understood.

We are thrilled to welcome Caitlin Grady as GFI’s new Director of Research and Policy. Dr. Grady is an Associate Professor in GW’s Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Department, where she studies the interconnected infrastructure of water, food, and energy systems. Her work—using both qualitative and quantitative approaches—includes agricultural trade, the electricity grid, natural hazards, and climate change adaptation. Caitlin steps into this role as Bill Dietz transitions out; we are grateful for his leadership and pleased he will continue contributing to GFI through ongoing projects and collaborations.

AAAS 49th Annual Science and Technology Science Forum. Interested in the implementation and regulation of science policy? Join stakeholders October 22–24 in Bethesda, Maryland to explore the potential of science policy and gain practical strategies and actionable insights to address today’s challenges. GFI’s Tara Scully will participate as a panelist on farm-to-table policymaking through the lens of sustainability science.

Food and Agriculture Policy Summit. Join Food Tank, the Culinary Institute of America, GFI, and José Andrés on October 28th for the inaugural Food and Agriculture Policy Summit at GW’s Jack Morton Auditorium. This full-day, in-person event will feature dynamic conversations with thought leaders across the food system on policies that can support a healthier population and planet. For friends of GFI, we have reserved tickets available. Use this code while it lasts: FoodTank.

Hunger to Health Collaboratory Summit. Join a full-day event in Boston on November 6th exploring innovations advancing food, nutrition, and health equity. The 2025 Prizes for Innovation winners will be announced, with GFI’s Stacy Dean serving as one of the judges. GFI’s Priya Fielding-Singh will speak on a panel on wealth inequality, health, and well-being. RSVP today.

A global trend. A new UNICEF report finds that one in 10 children worldwide are living with obesity, and for the first time, obesity now exceeds underweight among school-aged children and adolescents globally. This trend is driven largely by ultra-processed foods and marketing that shape diets more than personal choice. CNN

Hunger in the nation’s capital. More than 820,000 people face dire hunger in D.C., according to Capital Area Food Bank’s 2025 Annual Hunger Report. The burden falls hardest on lower-income, less-educated, Black and Hispanic households, and families with children—highlighting growing inequities in access to food. The Washington Post

Women driving climate solutions. Women often bear the brunt of climate change—but they are also pioneering innovative solutions. One example: under CEO Sarah Lake, Tilt Collective is leading a cross-sector to drive a global shift towards a plant-rich food system, funding partnerships with farmers, researchers, and local organizations worldwide. Forbes

Taking the lead. At a recent GFI panel, experts discussed how local leaders are reshaping food systems to be safer, healthier, and more sustainable. GFI’s Mya O. Price guided a conversation highlighting community-driven solutions—from urban gardens to supporting Black farmers—showing that empowering the most affected communities benefits everyone. GW Today

A new model for global aid. Amid global crises and shrinking aid budgets, Rockefeller Foundation President Rajiv J. Shah writes that a new model for global development is emerging—one increasingly led by developing countries themselves, not donors. Leaders are leveraging technology and private investment to build more sustainable, locally driven systems for progress and resilience. The New York Times

GFI is building for long-term impact, and our first highlights report showcases some early milestones, from launching a Food Leadership Minor at GW to forging cross-sector partnerships. Discover how we’re laying the foundation for lasting change and what’s next on the horizon.

The Fresh Food Factory provides accessible, healthy, local, and culturally relevant food to neighborhoods east of DC’s Anacostia River in Wards 7 and 8. Owner Amanda Stephenson shares the community impact of this hub in a food desert in this video created by local DC high school students, Morgan and Sukey. The video won a Nourishing Narratives Mobile Film Competition prize.

We want to lift up your work and share information about events, opportunities to collaborate or whatever you think is important to share. Email us at globalfoodinstitute@gwu.edu. 

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