National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference 2015

The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) and Feeding America will hold its annual conference, the 2015 National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference in Washington, DC. The conference will convene anti-hunger and anti-poverty advocates; federal, state and local government officials; child advocates; representatives of food banks and food rescue organizations; and nutrition and anti-obesity groups, for three days of training, networking, and Capitol Hill advocacy. The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) is the leading national nonprofit organization working to improve public policies and public-private partnerships to eradicate hunger and under nutrition in the United States. Feed America’s mission is to feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger.

The conference will give participants an opportunity to share information and learn how to strengthen the quality and reach of federal nutrition programs, learn best practices in outreach and programming from other states and localities, identify the gaps in food service for millions of low-income children and strategize creative ideas for new and innovative approaches to ending hunger. Members of Congress, Hill staff and key Administration officials will be in attendance, provide comments as part of plenary sessions and panels, and join participants at receptions and special events.

The agenda includes workshops on advocacy, communications, child nutrition, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), access, nutrition, research and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). To see a complete list of workshops, check the agenda. The conference will take place March 1-3, 2015. Visit the website for more information or to register.

Lead2Feed World Hunger Leadership Challenge Accepts Submissions for Service-learning Projects

Service-learning projects provide an opportunity for participants to integrate academic learning with active participation in organized service to support the community. The Lead2Feed World Hunger Leadership Challenge, created by the USA TODAY Charitable Foundation and the Lift a Life Foundation, with assistance from the Yum! Foundation, puts the spotlight on middle and high school students to hone leadership skills by completing a service-learning project that solves hunger issues. “The Lead2Feed curriculum is student-centered and designed to get students to take ownership of their learning. Throughout the ten-lesson, service learning experience, students will increase their knowledge of these leadership skills as they take action to impact the issue of hunger in their local and global communities.”

A team of at least three students and a sponsoring teacher or adult advisor are tasked with creating and executing a service-learning project that attempts to address a local, statewide, or national hunger-related issue; develop an action plan toward the solution; and demonstrates leadership.

First, second, and third place prizes of $25,000, $5,000, and $1,000, will be awarded up to a total of $275,000. To be eligible, entrants must be located in one of the fifty United States, the District of Columbia, or Guam; be a full-time student in grades 7-12 at a public, private, or charter middle school or high school; and be between the ages of 13 to 18 years old. Each entry must include a written summary or video overview of the project and quantifiable results (i.e., number of meals served, hours of service donated, Facebook “likes,” ect.)

The 2014-15 Lead2Feed World Hunger Leadership Challenge accepts submissions through April 17, 2015. To view projects from past winners, visit the webpage. See the website to learn more about the project rules and how to submit your project.

Youth Service America and Sodexo Foundation Believe Youth Can Combat Hunger in Communities

Youth have the power to make a positive difference in their communities. Giving youth the opportunity to contribute to change is not only valuable for strengthening youth character development, but also important for strengthening youth ties to community. One in five children in America are at risk of hunger. Youth Service America (YSA) and the Sodexo Foundation have partnered to invite youth to join the fight to end childhood hunger. They are tapping into youth creativity to design and lead community service projects that bring young people, families, Sodexo employees, and other community members to address childhood hunger.

Sodexo Foundation Youth Grants will select 100 of the best ideas and provide $400 grants to put their projects to action. Young people between the ages of 5 and 25 in the United States are eligible to apply. Projects will take place on or around Global Youth Service Day, April 17-19, 2015.

The YSA website provides resources on locating food banks and data on childhood hunger, ideas to get youth started, and complete program guidelines. Applications are due by 12:00 AM on January 15, 2015.