Edit: This story is from 2021 and provides a retrospective view of No Kid Hungry's response to the pandemic. For more information on how we help feed kids, check out our Impact Map.
The Covid-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on our country. How we interact, work and engage with each other is forever changed. It has also shined an extraordinary light on the hunger crisis and how much work is ahead of us if we are to emerge from this moment as better advocates for children and families.
Since the start of the pandemic, No Kid Hungry has granted an unprecedented $70 million in emergency grants to help community heroes feed children all across the country. Still, children in America are facing hunger at rates not seen in recent memory. As millions of Americans receive the vaccine in the coming months and we see a finish line in sight – we know that the road ahead for children will be challenging. The impact of this moment will be felt for many years to come.
During our recently-held virtual town hall, we heard from incredible voices who are working on the frontlines providing meals to kids in communities all across the country.
In addition, we were joined by John King, Jr., President and CEO of Education Trust and former Secretary of Education - in conversation with Share our Strength Founder and Executive Chair, Billy Shore. They discussed the impact of Covid over the past year and what the road ahead looks like for children. They also touched on what effective policies will be needed to climb out of this moment - and how we can all help in ensuring a strong recovery.
Couldn't make it? We've got you covered. Watch the full virtual town hall video here:
If we were reminded of anything this year it’s that hunger is a solvable problem. We just have to have the commitment, will and determination to see this battle through.
Check out our blog post here.
“Think about how hard it is to be focused when you are desperately hungry. Or how much of your mental energy, if you’re a parent, is going into thinking about how I am going to get food for my kids?”
- John B. King, President and CEO of Education Trust
Speakers:
John B. King, Jr.
President and CEO, The Education Trust
John B. King Jr. is the president and CEO of The Education Trust, a national nonprofit organization that seeks to identify and close opportunity and achievement gaps, from preschool through college. King served in President Barack Obama’s cabinet as the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education. In tapping him to lead the U.S. Department of Education, President Obama called King “an exceptionally talented educator,” citing his commitment to “preparing every child for success” and his lifelong dedication to education as a teacher, principal, and leader of schools and school systems.
Billy Shore
Founder and Executive Chair, Share Our Strength
Elliott Gaskins
Managing Director of Development, Share Our Strength
Alexandra Molina, M.S., SNS
Director, Food & Nutrition Services, McAllen Independent School District
Nonie Woolf, MPH, RD
Board Chair, FAST Blackfeet
Nonie Woolf is an enrolled member of the Yakama Tribe from Washington state, and a Registered Dietitian with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She retired in 2010 after working 30 years as an Indian Health Service, Public Health Nutritionist, O6 USPHS Commissioned Officer. As Public Health Nutritionist Nonie provided a nutrition component to local wellness programs as she worked with Blackfeet community partners at schools, Head start, Team nutrition and local tribal and state feeding programs. Nonie also provided nutrition education through individual counseling, group workshops, staff training and creation of a “Cooking for Good Health” Cooking Classes curriculum published for use by Indian Health Service nutritionists, nationwide. Nonie enjoys leading the FAST Blackfeet Board and Staff who continuously provide expertise to create a food resource center in the Blackfeet community, beginning with improving food access, teaching participants to eat healthy on a limited budget and incorporating indigenous ways into our work.
Becca Rathburn
Youth Ambassador, No Kid Hungry Campaign
