In today’s America, 1 in 5 children faces hunger or food insecurity – a reality reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For Black, Indigenous and Hispanic youth, these numbers are even higher. The number of children in food-insecure households has risen by 45% due to increasing poverty and income inequality.
(Family Features)
In today’s America, 1 in 5 children faces hunger or food insecurity – a reality reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For Black, Indigenous and Hispanic youth, these numbers are even higher. The number of children in food-insecure households has risen by 45% due to increasing poverty and income inequality.
One powerful solution to youth food insecurity begins in the nation’s schools. Approximately 30 million students, over 60% of schoolchildren, depend on school meals for part of their daily nourishment, per USDA. For many, these meals are the only reliable source of nutrition they receive each day.
Discover how school meals and dedicated professionals support nutrition equity and food justice for all children.
According to a survey by national nonprofit GENYOUth, nearly half of Americans are unaware children receive their healthiest meals at school. A study from Tufts University concluded “schools are now the single healthiest place Americans are eating,” by offering healthy nutrition including milk and dairy, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.
“As school meals lay a foundation for children to develop strong minds and bodies. we are committed to scaling proven solutions to ensure every child is well-nourished and ready to learn,” said GENYOUth CEO Ann Marie Krautheim, MA, RD, LD.
Research shows that skipping breakfast is common among students, but those who eat breakfast are more successful academically. Eating a healthy breakfast boosts test scores, focus, memory, and attendance. Children who skip breakfast are missing out on important benefits and are less likely to eat healthily.
Innovative school meal equipment and strategies are increasing daily participation by up to 58%. Smoothie programs make school breakfast more appealing with delicious milk, yogurt, and fruit combinations for students.
Now in its second decade of service, GENYOUth has increased access to 11.8 billion nutritious school meals nationwide.
“No child living in one of the world’s most food secure nations should go hungry or without access to affordable, health-promoting foods,” said Barb O’Brien, chair of GENYOUth’s board of directors and president and CEO of Dairy Management Inc. “Dairy farmers and the broader U.S. dairy community’s decades-long commitment to support child nutrition programs, including schools, helps to ensure equitable access to nutritious foods like dairy that help children thrive and that support a positive food future for all.”
To help make sure the only hunger a child feels is the hunger to learn, visit GENYOUthnow.org and discover how you can make a difference.
