The FOSYLx SERAC-Bangladesh Cohort-1 training, organized by SERAC-Bangladesh with the support of the SUN Youth Network, brought together young people to learn about healthier, more sustainable, and responsible food systems and explore how they could turn their knowledge into meaningful action.
Following the training, participants were divided into four groups, with each group developing a Collective Action focused on an issue they were passionate about addressing. One group chose to take action on food waste through their initiative, “Plate to Purpose: Youth-Led Zero Food Waste Campaign.”
The campaign was designed around a simple idea: every food item should have a purpose, rather than becoming waste. As part of their collective action, the group organized a school-based awareness campaign with students, introducing them to practical and everyday ways to reduce food waste.
The students were encouraged to take only as much food as they need, avoid unnecessary leftovers, and responsibly share safe and unused food with animals and birds where appropriate. They also learned how suitable food scraps can be turned into compost, giving food waste another useful purpose instead of sending it to the bin.
Through these simple activities, the campaign encouraged students to value food, become more mindful of their consumption, and understand how their everyday choices can contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
The initiative also demonstrated the power of youth-led action. By connecting knowledge with community engagement, the participants transformed what they learned through FOSYLx into a practical initiative that reached beyond the training space and engaged young learners in creating positive change.
When learning turns into action, even small steps can create meaningful change.