Together We Are Making Our Voices Heard on a Global Scale

In a compelling address to a diverse audience of several hundred business and community leaders at the 17th Annual Grateful Plate Gala hosted by Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, Ertharin Cousin, passionately emphasized the urgent need for a collective and coordinated approach to combat hunger.
The event took place on an evening in May and served as a rallying cry to address the issue of hunger not only in Wisconsin but also on a global scale.

Cousin’s address centered on the pressing issue of hunger, urging those in attendance to recognize the severity of the problem and to unite in their efforts to find sustainable solutions. Drawing from her extensive experience in international diplomacy and food security, she underscored the interconnectedness of local and global hunger challenges, emphasizing that no community or nation exists in isolation.

While addressing the crowd, Cousin highlighted the importance of understanding hunger as a multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive and inclusive strategy. She drew parallels between the struggles faced by communities in Wisconsin and those in other parts of the world, stressing that the fight against hunger is a shared responsibility. The former ambassador’s speech served as a powerful call to action, inspiring business and community leaders to actively engage in efforts to alleviate hunger. Cousin emphasized the potential for positive change when diverse
stakeholders collaborate, combining their resources, expertise, and influence. Cousin urged attendees to consider innovative approaches—like those explored by the food bank—to address the root causes of hunger, advocating for sustainable solutions that empower communities and foster long-term resilience. Her message resonated as a reminder that addressing hunger is not only a moral imperative but also an investment in a more stable and prosperous future for societies worldwide.

Ertharin Cousin’s impassioned plea for unity in the face of hunger left a lasting impression on the audience. As the community leaders and business professionals departed, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to play an active role in combating hunger in Wisconsin.