2022 David Lambert “Hunger Fighter” Scholar found his passion early in life

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University (ISU) Junior in agronomy and agribusiness, Christopher Meyer, is named as the 2022 David Lambert “Hunger Fighter” scholar.   Administered by the ISU Seed Science Center (SSC), the $1,000 “Hunger Fighter” scholarship is awarded to one sophomore or junior each year who exhibits a demonstrated interest in seed science, global food security, and/or childhood nutrition. Recipients are selected based on academic excellence, leadership skills and interpersonal skills.

David Lambert served as a Distinguished Fellow at the ISU SSC.  He was a tireless champion of child nutrition, food safety, biotechnology,  and global food security.  He was recognized internationally as an expert in global food security, and he was a passionate advocate of engaging youth in the fight against world hunger.  Additionally, he served to promote the World Food Prize.  This scholarship was established with contributions from his family and friends who wished to honor his memory and the strides he made to address global food security.

 “It’s uplifting to see today’s youth engaged in improving the livelihoods of those less fortunate following in David’s footsteps,” Manjit Misra, SSC Director, said. “Through the gift of this scholarship, we can help to inspire the next generation of hunger fighters. And that is the very best way that we can honor David and continue his legacy.”

Christopher grew up on a farm in Iowa and says that his experiences at the Iowa Youth Institute and the World Food Prize experiences in high school led him to his passion for agronomy and fighting world hunger. 

“My passion for agriculture started my junior year of high school,” Christopher said. “Growing up on a farm, I was surrounded by agriculture. Everything from baling hay, riding horses, and raising strawberries in a strawberry patch was part of my daily routine.”

He has been involved in the Global Youth Institute where he says he met “amazing people from across the world” and, through the WFP, he discovered the work of Dr. Norman Borlaug.

“I came to Ames and was surrounded by hunger,” Christopher said. “I remember on the car ride home with my oldest sister, telling her that I wanted to go to Iowa State and major in agronomy. I am so fortunate for the opportunity that I had. I am so grateful for the World Food Prize for kickstarting my passion for agronomy and fighting world hunger.”

At Iowa State, he has organized free cooking workshops for students, where they learn to cook balanced, nutritious, and affordable meals.  These classes help food-insecure students at ISU learn ways to eat healthier while staying within a budget. 

Christopher says he hopes to one day leave a lasting life legacy, as Dr. Borlaug did. 

“The idea of ending world hunger and eliminating food insecurity has motivated me through all my classes, volunteering, and leadership positions,” said Christopher. “What Norman Borlaug taught me is that coming from a small town in Iowa, I can have an immense impact that motivates and saves millions of people.”