BATTLE CREEK, Mich., Sept. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Facing new evidence from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO) that world hunger continues to riseⁱ, Kellogg Company, SDG2 Advocacy Hub and Food Reform for Sustainability and Health (FReSH) hosted a timely conversation on Transforming Food Systems to Drive Solutions for Achieving SDG2-Zero Hunger. The event inspired a disruptive dialogue among seven leading leading experts and up-and-coming innovators on the critical need for global, cross-sector collaboration to achieve U.N. Sustainable Development Goal #2 - Zero Hunger (SDG2) by the 2030 target.

"As a leading global food company, Kellogg is using our size and reach to drive transformational change in addressing the worldwide issue of food security," said Kellogg Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Steve Cahillane, who opened the event. "We know that no single company, government agency or organization can achieve the ambitious and essential SDGs alone, which is why we are excited to bring together this group of leaders and innovators who are driving needed change in our global food system for people and the planet."

The event, held in Kellogg's NYC Cafe, was moderated by international journalist Femi Oke.The first panel included leading global experts Gerda Verburg, Coordinator, Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement and U.N. Assistant Secretary-General; William Warshauer, CEO, TechnoServe; Jose Pedro Ferrão, International President, United Way; and Pierre Thiam, Co-Founder of Yolélé Foods and Chef and Co-Founder, Teranga Restaurant, in NYC.

The UNFAO has recognized the immediate need for "accelerated, scaled-up and multi-year partnerships to address increasing food security concernsⁱ." Together, this panel of leaders agreed that change simply cannot happen if communities and organizations address this issue in silos.

"There is not a one-sector solution," said United Way International President, Jose Pedro Ferrão. "It's a real struggle and we need to be honest about that. Each sector needs to be comfortable working together and ensure that everyone is adding the right value at the right point in time."

Gerda Verburg, Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement Coordinator and United Nation's Assistant Secretary-General, further stated that organizations need to make the business case for corporate social responsibility to make a real impact. And that transformation can start from the ground up. 

"It is crucial that everyone in this room thinks about how they can change their daily behavior to contribute toward to the goal of eradicating hunger," said Verburg. "You can lead from where you are, but we need to be ready to step out of our comfort zones to make it happen."

The second panel − also moderated by Oke − featured entrepreneurs and innovators across sectors who are leading creative initiatives to address the escalating global challenges of malnutrition and sustainability, including Anahita Dhondy, Chef Partner of SodaBottleOpenerWala, Cyber Hub, Delhi, India; Jane Ko, Director, Global Category Innovation, Kellogg Company; and Lauren Bush Lauren, CEO of FEED.

During this discussion, Oke asked the panelists their perspectives on what is needed to effectively achieve zero hunger. They agreed that there is a need to continue to elevate the issue, demonstrate how people can get involved and challenge the current system.

"We are not making the traction we should be both globally and locally," said Lauren Bush Lauren, CEO of FEED. "We need to make the SDG's real for people so that they can see first-hand how they can make a difference."

"Creating change is about being relentless and rallying around the cause," added Kellogg Company Global Innovation Director, Jane Ko. "It comes down to belief and conviction on the issue and demonstrating how change can result in the greater good for society."

Addressing sustainability and social impact are fundamental to Kellogg's Deploy for Growth strategy. Convening this group of leading voices further underscores the company's commitment to help drive impactful solutions for achieving zero hunger. Through its global signature purpose platform, Breakfasts for Better Days™, Kellogg is addressing the critical issue of food security worldwide by feeding people in need and nurturing our planet. In 2017, Kellogg expanded feeding and nutrition education programs to reach 586,772 children, donated 570 million meals to people in need and supported nearly 300,000 farmers around the world.

About Kellogg Company
At Kellogg Company K, we strive to enrich and delight the world through foods and brands that matter. Our beloved brands include Pringles®, Cheez-It®, Keebler®, Special K®, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes®, Pop-Tarts®, Kellogg's Corn Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Eggo®, Mini-Wheats®, Kashi®, RXBAR® and more. Net sales in 2017 were approximately $13 billion, comprised principally of snacks and convenience foods like cereal and frozen foods. Kellogg brands are beloved in markets around the world. We are also a company with Heart & Soul, committed to creating three billion Better Days by the end of 2025 through our Breakfasts for Better Days global purpose platform. Visit www.KelloggCompany.com or www.OpenforBreakfast.com.

About SDG2/Advocacy Hub
The SDG2 Advocacy Hub coordinates global campaigning and advocacy to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: To end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. The Hub brings together NGOs, advocacy groups, civil society, the private sector and UN agencies to share expertise, ideas, and to collaborate on campaigns so that our overall impact as a community of influencers is increased. The Hub offers strategic guidance on public engagement to the entire community working in and around SDG 2 by providing direction around global campaigns and support for grass roots, country-level initiatives. 

About FReSH
FReSH is a joint project between EAT and WBCSD, Food Reform for Sustainability and Health (FReSH) is an ambitious global business partnership that brings a consumer lens and systemic approach across the food system. We turn the conventional 'farm to fork' approach on its head by working from 'fork to farm' to develop, implement and scale transformative business solutions that are aligned with science-based targets. This means we start with the consumer, focusing on the dietary shifts that are needed, and work back through the food system to determine what we need to grow, where and how in order to create healthy, enjoyable food for all, produced responsibly within planetary boundaries by 2030.

ⁱ 2018 The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations

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