Food and Agricultural Organization
Topic Summary
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have been increasingly prevalent on school lunch trays worldwide, and there have been varying reactions on how to address this topic. Some nations have moved aggressively towards minimally processed school meals, while others remain reliant on shelf-stable commodities. This FAO committee will attempt to set international standards regulating UPFs given important factors like cost, diverse food cultures, supply chains, and food aid dependency. Delegates will face competing pressures between states prioritizing public health outcomes amid rising childhood obesity and diet-related disease, states protective of sovereignty over domestic nutrition policy, and states whose economies are exposed to how “ultra-processed” gets defined. Delegates will also be tasked with developing a transparent enforcement and monitoring mechanism. Given the different solutions, there might be consequences for exports, existing trade agreements, and domestic food industries. Delegates will need to reconcile with all of these moving parts to produce a workable framework that the FAO can carry forward.
Dearest Delegates,
Hi everyone! My name is Sophia Mills and I am so excited to be acting as your director for this ECOSOC committee at HMUN! I am from Boca Raton, Florida and am completing a double concentration in Government and Economics with a secondary in Romance Languages and Civilizations (eu estou estudando português :))
My journey in Model UN started my freshman year when my roommate took me to an info meeting and I was hooked. The sense of community and topics covered really intrigued me and I decided to give it a try! Now, I compete on the college circuit, which is an amazing experience, and I have met so many amazing people on this new venture.
Beyond Model UN, I am a part of the political review and Caribbean club (big up Trinidad/Dominica). I LOVE to watch tv shows/movies (please give me recs). Anywhere from Marvel to reality tv is right up my alley! You can often find me watching insta reels or listening to show tunes - I am a bit of a theater kid…
As we embark on this committee, I am eager to witness your innovation, collaboration, and passion. As someone who has found a great community within MUN, I will look towards delegates who foster this sense of community through not just their research prowess, but how they embrace the spirit of community by actively engaging with and supporting fellow delegates. This committee is fun so get excited!!
I can't wait to step into the room with you all this upcoming winter, and if there are any questions or concerns you all have please do not hesitate to contact me!
Don’t forget the recs,
Sophia Mills
Harvard Model United Nations 2027