Our participation in the inaugural Moms First Summit marked a milestone in our commitment to addressing the root causes of childhood hunger by focusing on the economic and social well-being of mothers, particularly single mothers.
Speakers represented a wide range of voices and perspectives from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to Christina Hammond Koch, a NASA astronaut, journalists like Katie Couric and Elaine Welteroth and actors Geena Davis and Ashley Judd.
They all explored important elements like the power of choice for women, the importance of storytelling and the critical role of paid leave, effective childcare and comprehensive maternal health benefits. These are essential not only for supporting moms but also for ensuring the well-being of their children. When moms are supported, their children are more likely to have the stability and resources they need to thrive.
In my opening remarks at the summit, I highlighted some serious numbers: nearly 100 million people in the United States are financially insecure, with 53 million being women and 6.5 million single mothers. These figures show the urgent need to support single mothers as part of the solution to end childhood hunger.
By addressing their financial insecurity, we can create a more stable environment for their children. When mothers are economically secure, they can provide consistent, nutritious meals for their kids, helping them thrive.
One of the most inspiring moments for me was witnessing the shared commitment to motherhood issues across the country. The challenges faced by mothers, especially low-income single moms, are widespread and urgent.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s talk on the role of women in the economy was particularly impactful. She emphasized the importance of making it easier to be a mother in this country through public and private sector initiatives. This sentiment was echoed by many high-profile attendees, including governors from Michigan and New York, who are leading progressive changes at the state level to support women in the workforce.
The summit provided a unique opportunity to forge connections with leaders who are committed to economic policies and efforts that support mothers.
On a personal level, the summit was deeply meaningful to me. Raised by a single mom, I understand firsthand the challenges and the need for the support systems advocated by the Moms First movement. This movement is not just about policy changes; it’s about real, tangible support that can transform lives. I am proud to be part of an organization that is committed to this cause.
As we move forward, it is clear that supporting mothers is essential to our mission of ending childhood hunger. The data is compelling: between 2021 and 2022, the poverty rate for families headed by single women soared to nearly 27%, with more than 33% of single-mother households experiencing hunger.
The Moms First Summit was just the beginning. We are already planning future events to bring together even more stakeholders and expand our impact. The success of this summit, with hundreds of attendees and countless others streaming online, demonstrated the widespread commitment to tackle this challenge.
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Changing the lives of moms and their kids is something we can do. Our co-founder Billy Shore shared that we are committed to fighting battles small enough to win but big enough to matter. Together, we can create a future where no child goes hungry, and every mother has the resources and support she needs to thrive. By lifting up mothers, we ensure that their children receive the nourishment and care they deserve. We can make No Kid Hungry a reality.
Donate: 1 dollar can help provide 10 meals* for kids. Your support will help us fund meal programs all over the country and help us advocate for policies that will help kids get the meals they need"
*Donations help support programs that feed kids; No Kid Hungry does not provide individual meals. Learn more at NoKidHungry.org/OneDollar
