Irish woman, 26, Honored with Global Citizen Prize for Contributions to Food Security

A 26-year-old Irish woman from Kinsale, Co Cork,  Sophie Healy-Thow, is set to receive a Global Citizen Prize for her exceptional work in tackling poverty and food security.

She is one of five recipients of the prestigious award and will receive it during the upcoming Global Citizen NOW summit in New York, reports the Irish Independent.

The Global Citizen Prize recognizes individuals who are trailblazers in their fields and are actively making changes to end poverty worldwide. Healy-Thow’s selection highlights her dedication and impact in these critical areas.

Sophie Healy-Thow

Expressing her gratitude, Healy-Thow mentioned that receiving this award is a tremendous honour and that the news hasn’t fully sunk in yet. She feels privileged to be acknowledged alongside other passionate activists and campaigners worldwide.

Healy-Thow gained recognition earlier in her career when she and two classmates won the BT Young Scientist competition 2013. Their project, which focused on using natural bacteria to increase crop output, also won the top prize at the Google Science Fair in San Francisco when Healy-Thow was just 15.

Besides her awards, Healy-Thow is the Global Youth Campaigns Coordinator for the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition and holds positions on the Board of ActionAid UK and the Emergency Nutrition Network.

Her interest in sustainable food systems traces back to her childhood experiences, particularly learning about local food sources from her grandmother.

These early lessons instilled in her a deep appreciation for locally sourced and sustainable food practices.

Healy-Thow emphasizes that food security is a global issue affecting developed and developing nations. She underscores the importance of education on local food sources, especially during crises such as the recent pandemic, which exposed vulnerabilities in global food supply chains.

Advocating to preserve food culture, Healy-Thow stresses the significance of traditional recipes and locally sourced ingredients. Her efforts led to the establishing of Act4Food, a youth activist group focused on promoting sustainable food practices and empowering young voices in food policy decision-making.

Through Act4Food, Healy-Thow aims to bridge the gap between youth and decision-makers in shaping sustainable food systems for the future.

She believes involving young people in decision-making is crucial, as the long-term effects of food security policies will most impact them.

Healy-Thow’s dedication to food security and poverty alleviation underscores the importance of youth engagement and innovative solutions in addressing global challenges.

Additionally, Healy-Thow’s work inspires youth worldwide, encouraging them to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to society.

Her advocacy extends beyond borders, highlighting the interconnectedness of global issues and the need for collaborative efforts in creating a more sustainable and equitable world.

By receiving the Global Citizen Prize, Healy-Thow’s impact and influence in the global fight against poverty and hunger are further recognized, amplifying her platform to drive positive change.

The award ceremony celebrates Healy-Thow’s achievements and serves as a call to action for individuals and organizations worldwide to join hands in addressing pressing global challenges and building a brighter future for future generations.