Changing the World Through the Power of Food
The Global Food Institute
at the George Washington University
Powered by interdisciplinary research and teaching across policy, innovation, and humanity, the Global Food Institute at GW will work to transform people’s lives and the health of our planet.
Explore Our Courses & Minor in Food Leadership
Join the Global Food Institute’s transformative Food Leadership Minor and develop the expertise needed to drive sustainable change. Our 18-credit program blends classroom learning with immersive experiences in policy, innovation, nutrition, and sustainability, preparing you to tackle global food challenges.
Explore upcoming Fall 2025 courses, with opportunities for hands-on learning both locally and abroad.
Latest News & Updates
Sean Ruane joins Aspen Food Leadership Fellowship after work at Just Roots (Planet Forward)
January 29, 2026
Sean Ruane, founder and director of operations and development of Just Roots, is currently part of Aspen Institute’s Food Leaders Fellowship. A Planet Forward article, shares how Ruane, originally an educator from Chicago, founded Just Roots to help increase access to community green space and to fresh foods.
GFI Affiliate Faculty, Arielle Levites Shares the Benefits of Shabbat Dinner for Connection and Renewal (Templeton World Charity Foundation)
January 23, 2026
Through a research–practice partnership with OneTable, a team led by Dr. Arielle Levites, Managing Director at the Collaborative for Applied Studies in Jewish Education at The George Washington University, is investigating whether and how Shabbat dinners foster social connection and combat the epidemic of loneliness among young adults.
The real reason your children can’t avoid added sugar (Boston Globe)
January 22, 2026
In a new op-ed, GFI's Priya Fielding-Singh argues that reducing kids’ sugar intake requires changing the food environment itself — from marketing rules to school meals. Families can’t do this alone.
