Food insecurity on college campuses | Ramya Mabry | TEDxSanDiegoSalon

What if the college student sitting next to you in class is wondering where their next meal will come from? Ramya Mabry reveals the hidden reality of food insecurity on college campuses and challenges us to see hunger not as a lack of ambition, but as a lack of access. Because every student deserves the opportunity to learn, thrive, and pursue their dreams without wondering where their next meal will come from.

For food assistance and local resources, visit 211.org or contact your campus food pantry/student support services.
Instagram: @ramyamabry | @lifewramya
#FoodInsecurity #HigherEducation #CollegeStudents #TEDxSanDiego #TEDx #TEDxSpeaker Ramya Mabry is a creative community builder dedicated to building bridges between people, purpose, and possibility, and her mission is to help nourish our world again through community-centered solutions and social impact. Ramya currently serves as Coordinator for the Williams-Ross Purple Pantry at East Carolina University, where her leadership contributed to a 104% increase in food distribution in one academic year. She is also the founder of NOWA, an award-winning initiative addressing food insecurity in underserved communities, and co-founder of Sister Sister, a faith-based women’s group centered on authentic connection. Ramya earned her BA in Business Administration from North Carolina A&T State University and MA in Social Innovation from the University of San Diego. Her work experience spans nonprofits, B-corps, and Fortune 200 companies. In 2025 and 2026, she received the Patrizia Marquez Social Innovation Award and ECU Excellence Divisional Award for her leadership and impact. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx