Tackling global hunger: High school innovators present food security solutions at the 2026 Minnesota Youth Institute

A strong sense of purpose filled the St. Paul Student Center at the University of Minnesota as 72 high school students from 30 schools across the state gathered for the annual Minnesota Youth Institute (MNYI). Held on May 14, 2026, the event brought together these curious young minds ready to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges.

Hosted by the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) in partnership with the World Food Prize Foundation, the institute challenged students to confront global hunger head-on. Following a warm 8:45 a.m. welcome, the high schoolers set off to explore the St. Paul campus, guided through hands-on activities and tours by current CFANS students who served as mentors and guides.

By mid-morning, the true heart of the institute began. The students had spent weeks researching food security issues in countries of their choice, and now it was time to share their solutions. Divided into groups, they sat down for roundtable discussions with 31 experts spanning science, policy, and business, pitching their ideas and receiving valuable real-world feedback.

During the lunch hour, the ballroom transformed into a "Taste of CFANS" exhibition. Numerous University departments set up interactive tables, showcasing everything from food science innovations to sustainable agriculture, giving the participants a firsthand look at collegiate research.

"Seeing the dedication and empathy in this room is incredibly inspiring," said Cathleen Drilling, CFANS director of strategic outreach. "These 72 students aren't just looking at the legacy of U of M alumnus Norman Borlaug — they are actively stepping up to contribute. By connecting them with our experts and passionate CFANS student mentors, we are watching the next generation of food and agricultural leaders take their first meaningful steps right here in St. Paul."

The legacy of Norman Borlaug, the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate credited with saving over a billion lives from starvation, felt deeply relevant during the afternoon celebration and alumni panels. As the day wrapped up, the final announcements brought a wave of excitement. For some of these participants, the journey will expand when seven delegates are chosen to advance to the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa, in October. In addition, several of the participants will join CFANS as freshmen in the fall.

Leaving campus that afternoon, the students carried home practical inspiration, new connections, and the momentum of a community dedicated to tackling world hunger.