MINNEAPOLIS — General Mills Inc. has launched the General Mills Feeding Better Futures Scholars Program, an initiative designed to encourage youth aged 13 to 21 to share their ideas on addressing hunger relief and sustainable agriculture. As part of the program, several young innovators will be selected to present their solutions at the Aspen Ideas Festival June 21-30 in Aspen, Colorado, with the opportunity to earn up to $50,000 to further their program and education.

Jeff
Jeff Harmening, chairman of the board and CEO of General Mills

“At General Mills, we’re inspired by the ingenuity of today’s youth and know that, while they have immeasurable ability to positively impact the world, they don’t always have the resources to support their potential,” said Jeff Harmening, chairman of the board and CEO of General Mills. “We’re thrilled to launch Feeding Better Futures to empower young innovators and encourage new perspectives on an ongoing global issue where action is imperative.”

To take part in the program, General Mills is encouraging youth between the ages of 13 and 21 to share a short video explaining a solution or program they have initiated with the goal of addressing issues in hunger relief and/or sustainable agriculture. A panel of experts will then review the video submissions and select five finalists. General Mills will then ask the public to select a grand prize winner from the five finalists.

The winner will receive $50,000 as well as an opportunity for a mentorship with industry leaders and the opportunity to share their idea at the Aspen Ideas Festival. The four runners-up will receive $10,000 and the opportunity for a  mentorship with industry leaders.

Submissions will be accepted through March 5. Full details are available here.

General Mills has been active in hunger relief and sustainable agriculture through its General Mills Foundation. Other initiatives include the foundation’s partnership with the US Dept. of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to restore and protect pollinator habitat across US farmland, as well as its partnership with Feeding America, the Global Foodbanking Network and Partners in Food Solutions.