These are uncertain times for our nation. Families are facing fear and confusion especially when it comes to accessing nutrition programs so many rely on. This is particularly urgent at a time when 1 in 5 kids in America lives with hunger.
In navigating these challenges, Share Our Strength, the organization behind No Kid Hungry, remains focused and determined, drawing on our 40 years of experience meeting the moment and our strong vision.
Our strategies have changed over time, but everything we do is grounded in our mission and vision: We are a diverse community of inspired people, sharing our strengths, so all children and families live without hunger or poverty. We envision an equitable world where all children, families and communities have what they need to thrive.
In these times of uncertainty, we are grounded in these truths:
All kids deserve access to healthy food, every day.
When all kids get the food they need, our entire country benefits, as hunger impacts a child’s health, education and ability to reach their full potential. Ending childhood hunger in America means exactly that—no child should go hungry, no matter where they live, their status or the challenges their family faces.
Federal nutrition programs are essential and must be protected and strengthened at all costs.
Programs like SNAP, of which 40% of participants are children, are highly effective at reducing childhood hunger. They not only support the health and well-being of millions of families and children nationwide but also foster jobs and economic vitality in communities. While there are opportunities to improve these programs to better meet the needs of those they serve, our commitment remains unwavering in protecting and strengthening them.
Ending childhood hunger requires more than food – it demands economic security.
Despite their hard work, too many families face systemic barriers to economic security. Today, 1 in 6 children are raised by single mothers, who experience food insecurity at rates 21% higher than the national average. By advancing policies, investing in solutions and building a movement around economic mobility for single mothers, we can create the conditions for all families to prosper. When mothers thrive, children are well-fed, and communities grow stronger.
Hunger exists in every county in America, but some families face greater barriers.
As we strive to end hunger for all children in the U.S., we rely on data to inform our decisions and invest in children who need it the most.
The most powerful voices for change come from those with lived experience.
The stories of families facing hunger and those who support them directly shape our work. We advocate for programs and policies that address real-world needs, amplifying and advancing the most effective, community-driven solutions.
Hunger is an issue that unites us.
Amid the many challenges our country faces, ending childhood hunger stands as a common cause. Over half of Americans rank addressing child hunger as a top priority. Solving this crisis is a shared responsibility, requiring the engagement of individuals, communities, businesses and governments. To be most effective, we must unite diverse voices and perspectives in our movement.
Our role in advocating for and protecting children is more important than ever.
Kids and families living with hunger are constantly navigating challenges, and it is our responsibility to stand with them. We must do the hard things we need to do to lessen their burden, especially in trying times. We have a unique and critical role to play in the years ahead. We will not waver in our commitment to ensuring no child goes hungry in America.
We are confident that our current strategy will help us end childhood hunger. We’re helping feed millions of children through school and community meal programs, strengthening and protecting federal nutrition programs and addressing the root causes of hunger to help families become more economically mobile. Our greatest impact will come from staying focused on this strategy while centering the communities and families we serve. Together, we can get there.
