On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Harlem Globetrotters’ Jason ‘Buckets’ Barrera and Latif ‘Jet’ Rivers joined FAO’s Corinna Hawkes, Director of Food Systems and Food Safety, for a lively discussion on healthy diets and reducing food waste. Moderated by Patricia Zavala of E! Entertainment at the SDG Media Zone at UN HQ, the event spotlighted how sport can promote better nutrition and food sustainability through the Globetrotters’ recent collaborations with FAO.
During the exchange, both the Globetrotters and Corinna Hawkes emphasized the need for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while warning against excessive consumption of added sugars. The Globetrotters reinforced these messages by sharing practical tips on meal planning, proper portion control, and mindful eating habits, stressing that good nutrition is essential for overall health and performance in sports. “Food is fuel,” said Jet.
Buckets and Jet further emphasized the critical role of education and schools in driving behavioral change, highlighting that every small action contributes to a larger, global impact, making the world more sustainable, equitable, and healthy. “And when does this conversation start?” wondered Patricia Zavala. “From birth,” said Jet. “And that’s what the science says,” added Corinna.
“These kids look up to us,” Jet continued. “We’re global figures seen by millions… We have the chance to make an impact. They idolize us for what we do on the court, but it’s essential we share how we reach this level—by taking care of our bodies. If we can inspire them to change their habits, the sky’s the limit.” Buckets agreed: “Kids hang on our every word. If we encourage them to eat healthily and explain the benefits, it’s a message that will stick.”
The panel touched on the environmental impact of food waste, highlighting the importance of reducing food loss from production to household levels. The speakers shared practical advice on minimizing food waste, such as buying food sensibly, understanding expiration dates, donating surplus food, and composting. They emphasized that reducing food waste not only helps feed those in need but also conserves resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making it a critical component of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
“These players are the ones who carry the message,” added Corinna Hawkes. “But we all have a role to play. Everyone needs to support one another—whether you’re working on a farm, in a shop, or raising a family. If we work together and stay aligned, we can achieve our goals. That’s why these athletes are so invaluable,” said Corrinna, thanking both basketball stars.
“We teamed up with FAO because there’s a world hunger crisis… [FAO’s work] aligns with what we do. We love going into different countries, experiencing different cultures and we love giving back. We want to make sure we impact the world positively,” explained Jet.
Jet and Buckets spoke of their team mates visit to a FAO school feeding and composting project in the Dominican Republic – which was featured on their Emmy Award-winning TV show, Play It Forward on NBC in February. The players also spoke about their social media campaign with schoolchildren in Rome, which focused on promoting good nutrition and food waste reduction in schools and at home.
The Harlem Globetrotters will continue their advocacy with FAO at Junior World Food Day in Rome on October 17th, where players Darnell ‘Speedy’ Artis and Arysia ‘Ace’ Porter will inspire children to think carefully about what they eat and further raise awareness of food loss and waste reduction. With their unique blend of athleticism and entertainment, the Harlem Globetrotters are leveraging their global reach to champion important causes that align with FAO’s mission to end hunger and improve food security.
