Giving Compass' Take:

• Haile Thomas, CEO of HAPPY (Healthy Active Positive Purposeful Youth) discusses the important role of young people in advancing the food system. 

• How can HAPPY collaborate with other nonprofits working on food-related issues through education? How can donors support youth participation?

• Read about how young people can participate in the progression of global food security. 

Since 2010, Haile Thomas, CEO of HAPPY (Healthy Active Positive Purposeful Youth,) has engaged more than 15,000 kids and thousands of adults through different projects, programs, and initiatives geared towards motivating and educating people on healthy lifestyle choices. She has shared her story on the Today Show, Food Network, CNN, Dr. Oz, and has been featured in Teen Vogue, Fortune, O Magazine, Experience Life Magazine, and more.

Food Tank spoke with Thomas about her work engaging younger generations in the food system and inspiring them to make educated food choices that positively impact their health and their environment.

Food Tank (FT): What originally inspired you to get involved in your work?

Haile Thomas (HT): I was originally inspired to join the health movement after my family successfully reversed my dad’s Type-2 Diabetes. Most importantly, my journey with my dad exposed the very prevalent childhood obesity, malnutrition, and lack of food education crises we have in the United States and across the world.

FT:  How are you helping to build a better food system?

HT: I’m helping to build a better food system by expanding young people’s awareness about the foods they put into their bodies, and what they support with their purchases. I help expand awareness through my small non-profit HAPPY. HAPPY provides programs, presentations, and summer camps in communities all around the world that educate, inspire, and empower youth to easily incorporate healthful choices into their lives.

Read the full article about changing food systems by Sammy Blair at FoodTank.