Ben Simon

Ben Simon is the co-founder of the Food Recovery Network, a student-led organization in the United States focused on reducing food waste and addressing hunger. Through this initiative, Simon has mobilized students across campuses nationwide to recover surplus food from dining halls, events, and grocery stores, redirecting edible food to local shelters and food banks. The Food Recovery Network has developed a scalable model for sustainability and food insecurity solutions, recognized for its impact on environmental and social issues related to food waste.

Simon is a public speaker who delivers talks on food recovery, climate action, and youth-led change, drawing from his experience building the Food Recovery Network into a national organization. He has delivered keynote addresses at conferences and TEDx events, sharing strategies that have inspired chapters on campuses and contributed to policy discussions on waste reduction. Simon’s presentations combine data-driven insights with practical solutions, making topics such as food systems, sustainability, and hunger relief accessible to a wide range of audiences.

Simon continues to support the Food Recovery Network’s growth and advocates for systemic changes in food systems through speaking engagements and partnerships with organizations focused on hunger and sustainability. His work in overcoming logistical challenges in food redistribution has established him as a credible voice on resilience and innovation in food recovery, encouraging audiences to take actionable steps toward a more equitable and sustainable world.