Advocacy Tools & Resources

We believe food policy and advocacy should be accessible to everyone.

Food Systems Collaborative (FSC) believes that in order to improve the food system in the U.S., there needs to becritical shifts at the policy level. Because of this, FSC works tirelessly to demystify and remove barriers to make advocacy easier—for nonprofit organizations, companies, and individuals alike. To help make this a reality, FSC builds campaigns to advocate for progressive food policies—and creates resources to encourage other organizations to do the same. FSC also hosts Congressional events to raise awareness and build momentum for specific policy opportunities.

FSC In Action

Gen Z Food and Hunger Summit

In July 2026, the FSC team trained and empowered more than 160 young leaders from across the country to advocate for legislation that advances food security. Over two inspiring days, the ambassadors built and strengthened their advocacy skills, connected with policymakers, created community, and raised their voices for a more equitable food system.

In partnership with the Congressional Hunger Center, this year’s Summit featured:

🌟 160+ Gen Z advocates from 35 states and U.S. territories
🏛️ 152 Congressional meetings
🤝 4 global and domestic legislative priorities, including two that were bipartisan and bipartisan
❤️ Countless dedicated volunteers

We're so proud of every advocate, speaker, panelist, and volunteer who brought their passion, expertise, and lived experience to the halls of Congress in order to advocate at the federal level.

A very special thank you to our primary partners: Global Food Institute at the George Washington University, Oxfam America, Hunger Solutions Institute, and The Bonner Foundation.

Representative McGovern stands as speaker at a podium addressing an audience at the Gen Z Food & Hunger Summit, with a large screen displaying event branding and an image of the Capitol building.

Congressional Food Recovery Caucus

Three women and two men sitting at a conference table with microphones, glasses of water, and papers, participating in a panel discussion. Two women are speaking at a podium and a presentation slide is displayed on a screen behind them.

Food Systems Collaborative is currently working to raise awareness and increase membership of the House Congressional Food Recovery Caucus. Originally founded in 2018, the Caucus was relaunched in 2023 by Representatives Pingree and Newhouse to increase collaboration and advance legislation that supports food recovery for both donors and recipients.

In October 2024, FSC partnered with the Farmlink Project, Food Recovery Network, Patelana Group, and Shipt to host “Progress through Partnership: Bipartisan Solutions to Hunger and Food Waste,” an exclusive opportunity for legislative staff. The event—which was held in conjunction with the bipartisan Food Recovery Caucus chairs, Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA)—was attended by 85+ staffers and featured speakers from City Harvest, the Global Cold Chain Alliance, National Restaurant Association, and USDA.

Federal Legislative Priorities

FSC is currently working to advance two pieces of legislation: The Food Date Labeling Act (S.1484 | H.R.3159) and The Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act (S.2881 | H.R.309).

FDLA

Food Date Labeling Act
H.R.4987 | S.2541

Hand-drawn illustration of a petition form on a clipboard, with canned food items labeled "EXP" for expiration, featuring images of vegetables and fruit.

The Food Date Labeling Act (FDLA) is a bipartisan piece of legislation that would standardize food date labels in the U.S. This crucial legislation would mandate that any company opting to use food date labels has to use either "BEST If Used By" to indicate optimal freshness and quality or “USE By” to indicate the discard date. By clarifying when food is still safe to eat, we can save consumers money, and ensure that food unsold (but perfectly edible food) is able to be donated.

Want to join the effort?

Sign the petition here!

OACHA

Opportunity To Address College Hunger Act
H.R.309 | S.2881

A hand-drawn illustration of a petition on a clipboard, a rolled-up document tied with a ribbon, and an envelope with a postage stamp and a string attached.

The Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act (OACHA) is a no-cost bill that would make it easier for eligible college students to receive SNAP benefits—without changing their eligibility criteria. This bill aims to enhance SNAP outreach to eligible students without changing their eligibility criteria. If passed, it would require institutions of higher education receiving grants to notify students in the Federal Work Study program about their potential eligibility for SNAP benefits. It would also mandate colleges and universities provide specific state-based information and contact details for local SNAP offices.