Part of the Food Policy Community Spotlight Series
Name: The Global Food Institute at George Washington University
What They Do: The Global Food Institute (GFI) at the George Washington University (GW) is dedicated to leveraging interdisciplinary research and teaching across the pillars of policy, innovation, and humanity to address global food challenges.
How They Do It: GFI tackles food-related issues by educating the next generation through the lens of food, serving as a hub for cross-disciplinary research and innovation, and convening leading experts in global food policy – all in service of transforming lives and the health of the planet.
Mission: GFI’s mission is to change the world through the power of food.
Latest Project/Campaign: GFI’s latest project involves collaborating with the James Beard Foundation on a comprehensive report outlining how various climate-related factors have contributed to rising restaurant costs in recent years. This report informs the James Beard Foundation’s Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival campaign, which aims to address the immediate threats climate change poses to independent restaurants, their employees, and the farmers who supply them. The campaign seeks to raise awareness, educate federal policymakers, and galvanize action around the impacts of climate change on the restaurant industry.
Major Funding: GFI receives funding from various sources, including grants, philanthropic donations,
and partnerships with organizations like the James Beard Foundation. The Carbonell Family Foundation has provided a significant endowment to establish the inaugural executive directorship of the GFI, led by renowned chef José Andrés.
Profit/Nonprofit: Nonprofit
Interesting fact about how they are working to positively affect the food system: GFI was founded in partnership with renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés, who is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders to reshape the global food system. By advancing research, education, and policy, GFI’s goal is to empower individuals to create positive change in the food system.
FACT SHEET:
Location: The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Areas Served: Global
Year Started: 2023
Founder: Chef José Andrés
Contact Information: globalfoodinstitute@gwu.edu
