Global Food System Challenge to be Led by Welthungerhilfe in Seeding Initiative

The Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge (GFSC), a prestigious platform for advancing breakthrough innovations in food systems, is set to undergo a significant change. After four years of operation under the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), the GFSC will be transitioning to Welthungerhilfe (WHH), an international leader in food systems transformation and the fight against hunger in the Global South.

Launched in 2021, the GFSC has become a premier platform for innovations that advance equitable access to safe and nutritious food, promote sustainable and regenerative practices, and deliver trusted, affordable, and appealing solutions. Over the past four years, the GFSC has received over 4,000 applications from 97 countries, reflecting its global impact and relevance.

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), which has served as the voice of the global food science community since 1939, has played a crucial role in driving the GFSC's success. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world's greatest food challenges, guiding a community of over 200,000.

Welthungerhilfe, on the other hand, is one of Germany's largest private aid organizations, striving for a world without hunger since 1962. With decades of experience in agriculture, food security, and innovation, and deep partnerships across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, WHH is well-equipped to lead the GFSC into its next phase. In 2024, WHH supported nearly 19 million people in 37 countries, demonstrating its commitment to global food security.

The 2025-26 cycle of the GFSC will be led by WHH, with operations beginning on October 15, 2025. For more information about the GFSC, visit www.our website/global-food-system-challenge or email [email protected].

Welthungerhilfe follows the principle of empowering people to help themselves to sustainably improve their living conditions. As such, the GFSC under WHH's leadership is expected to continue its mission of accelerating solutions that improve food security, reduce environmental impact, and build resilience in vulnerable communities.

For more information about Welthungerhilfe and its work, contact Dennis Van Milligen, the Director of External Relations at the Institute of Food Technologists, at [email protected].

Since its founding in 1962, Welthungerhilfe has supported 12,777 overseas projects in about 72 countries with 5.42 billion euros. The organisation offers everything from fast disaster relief to reconstruction and long-term development cooperation projects with national and international partner organizations.

In conclusion, the transition of the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge to Welthungerhilfe marks an exciting new chapter for the challenge. With WHH's extensive experience and commitment to food systems transformation and the fight against hunger, the GFSC is set to continue its mission of advancing breakthrough innovations in food systems.