#United States #Austin #Hormel Foods #Youth Leadership #Food Heroes

Celebrating Young Changemakers: The 2025 Class of 10 Under 20 Food Heroes

Hormel Foods Corporation, a prestigious name in the global food industry, has recently unveiled its fourth cohort of the 10 Under 20 Food Heroes program, aimed at honoring young individuals across the United States who are leading efforts to create a more transparent, secure, and sustainable food system. Recognizing these impressive young leaders is part of Hormel’s commitment to supporting community-driven initiatives that help tackle food insecurity and promote sustainable practices in the food landscape.

The announcement was made on December 1, 2025, at Hormel's global headquarters in Austin, Minnesota. This year’s program emphasizes not only the accomplishments of individual food heroes but also establishes a nationwide network of young changemakers who share a passion for improving their communities. Hormel Foods plans to host these honorees, providing them with opportunities to connect with the company's leaders and discuss strategies to scale their impactful projects.

Katie Clark, Hormel Foods’ senior vice president and chief communications officer, expressed pride in welcoming these young leaders into the Hormel family. She stated, "From passing state legislation to developing sustainable farming solutions, each of the 10 Under 20 Food Heroes has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to building a more sustainable food system, and we are excited to see how they will continue to shape the future of food."

Among the comprehensive support provided, the program includes mental health and resilience training for both the honorees and their families, facilitated by the organization Be Strong. This initiative aims to bolster the mental and emotional well-being of young leaders, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle the challenges within the food system.

Meet the 2025 Food Heroes

The extraordinary individuals recognized this year come from diverse backgrounds, each uniquely contributing to fostering a sustainable food ecosystem:

• - Adam Belouad (19, Falls Church, Va.) - As the executive director of Hand to Hunger, Adam has been pivotal in combating food insecurity, mobilizing volunteers to provide over 220,000 meals to those in need.

• - Ali Muzik (17, Austin, Minn.) - Ali enhances Packer Pantry and Clothing Closet, actively engaging with her community to provide essential items to students and families in need.

• - Angelina Xu & Advika Agarwal (19, Clarksburg, Md.) - They co-founded Compostology, working tirelessly to implement composting programs in schools, helping to pass significant state legislation aimed at funding these vital initiatives.

• - Atreya Manaswi (19, Orlando, Fla.) - Collaborating with the USDA, he develops eco-friendly pest control solutions that promise environmental benefits and fiscal savings for the beekeeping industry.

• - Bella Brown (18, Chicago, Ill.) - Co-founder of Living Outside, Bella's initiatives have led to the distribution of thousands of care packages across various youth-led chapters worldwide.

• - Bruce Matos (17, Weston, Conn.) - Through the Joshua's Heart Foundation, Bruce has contributed to significant food distribution efforts in his area, enhancing community resources for families in need.

• - Chris Matthews (18, McDonough, Ga.) - After experiencing personal loss, Chris founded Blankies 4 My Buddies to offer essential support and warmth to families facing difficult times.

• - Hunter Guthrie (17, Vienna, Va.) - With A Taste of Home, Hunter targets food waste by collecting unsold food and directing it to local shelters, further raising funds for essential supplies.

• - Laura Kopec (20, Tampa, Fla.) - Her project, Feeding the Fosters, provides nourishing meals and dining experiences for foster children, showcasing the power of community involvement.

• - Ryan Gustis (19, Woodridge, Ill.) - Founder of The Backpack Project, Ryan focuses on delivering essential backpacks to homeless individuals, spreading positivity along the way.

Together, these 10 Under 20 Food Heroes embody the spirit of youth leadership and activism, significantly contributing to the collaborative mission of bettering our food systems. They highlight how innovation, community support, and sustainable initiatives can unite to bring about positive change within society.

For more details on the inspiring initiatives of the 2025 Food Heroes and the ongoing efforts of Hormel Foods, visit 10under20foodheroes.com.

About Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods Corporation, known for its extensive portfolio of iconic brands, operates with a mission of Inspiring People. Inspired Food.™ The company remains dedicated to building a better world through its community service efforts, commitment to sustainability, and unwavering support for initiatives that enrich lives globally.