The article is part of our series of blog posts featuring each of the individuals and/or organizations selected for the National AfterSchool Association’s Most Influential in Health and Wellness for afterschool. The Walking Classroom proudly sponsored the competition because of our strong belief in the value of afterschool programs and the importance of promoting healthier lifestyles for all kids.
Our next honoree is:
Hunger Solutions NY
Albany, New York | hungersolutionsny.org
Hunger Solutions New York is a caring and informed voice for hungry New Yorkers. They believe no one should ever wonder where their next meal is coming from. They strive to maximize participation in, and the effectiveness of, federally funded nutrition assistance programs including:
• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• The School Breakfast Program
• The Summer Food Service Program
• The Child and Adult Care Food Program
Hunger Solutions New York works one-on-one with those who struggle to keep food on the table. They fund community-based organizations to provide education, support and application assistance through the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program and the Long Island Anti-Hunger Initiative. These programs connect New Yorkers to federally funded nutrition assistance programs.
They consult with, train and provide resources to non-profit organizations, school districts, and other agencies to help make their anti-hunger efforts more efficient and effective.
Hunger Solutions New York advocates for policies and legislation to improve nutrition assistance programs at the state and federal level. Based on consultation with federal and state administering agencies, partner organizations and local providers, they develop public policy recommendations to help significantly reduce hunger in New York State.
Selections were made by NAA based on strong advocacy for and support of health and wellness in afterschool. Those selected represent individuals and organizations whose service, action, and leadership align with and support the NAA Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards and affect large numbers of youth, families, or afterschool professionals.
That is so great! The kids in your community are very lucky to have you and others like you who care and work so hard to help them. Best of luck!
This is a wonderful program and agree that “no one should ever wonder where their next meal is coming from.” Kinetic Minds has started a summer feeding program for children 18 years and younger. There have been some struggles starting including advertising, and transportation issues but we have learned a lot and hope that we will grow from this. Your program sounds wonderful and provides us with encouragement in our quest to help children within our community.