End Child Hunger in Alabama...End Child Hunger in Alabama A Catalyst for Transformative Change...
Transcript of End Child Hunger in Alabama...End Child Hunger in Alabama A Catalyst for Transformative Change...
End Child Hunger in Alabama A Catalyst for Transformative Change
Harriet Giles, Ph.D.
Managing Director Auburn University Hunger Solutions Institute
July 9, 2015
Every meal matters
www.endchildhungeral.org
The Future of Children Promoting Child Health
A collaboration of Princeton University, the Brookings Institute, and Children’s of Alabama
Child Hunger: One of Alabama’s Greatest Challenges
Alabama is 6th poorest state in the US 27% of children live below poverty line 26% of Alabama’s children are food insecure More than 63% of children are on free or reduced lunch 35% of children 10-17 are overweight or obese
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Framing Child Hunger and Malnutrition In a Broader Context
Negative health outcomes Poorer educational achievement Diminished livelihood prospects and earning
power Impaired ability to raise healthy families and
contribute to community well-being
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“Hunger is preventable if we take collective action” – Lt. Gov. Kay Ivy
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Began as first outreach initiative of Auburn University Hunger Solutions Institute (HSI) which serves as:
• Convener of multi-sector actors • Collaborator • Multiplier of best practices
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ECHA’s Grassroots Origins
Launching the Initiative 2012-2013
1. Convened a multi-sector task force and tapped Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey as spokesperson
2. Set aspirational, but achievable goals 3. Prioritized urgent tasks 4. Identified strengths and available resources 5. Brainstormed innovative solutions
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Task Force
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The ECHA Task Force is a connector for advocates, a channel for funding, and a resource network.
ECHA Goals
1. Increase families’ economic stability 2. Cultivate a strong regional food system 3. Improve healthy food access for Alabama’s
children 4. Support community action to improve
children’s health & prevent obesity 5. Build public will to end hunger
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Transformation in Action 2013-2015
Summer Feeding
Identify gaps Strategize to expand reach Create new delivery models
Building Public Will
Recruit athletic departments Develop comprehensive
multimedia strategy
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Impacts: Summer Feeding (2014 as compared to 2013)
30% increase in child participation 42% increase in summer feeding sites Recruited AU and UA food services as vendors Recognized by FNS as best practice model for other
states to replicate
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Impacts: Building Public Will 2014-2015
Auburn Athletics made ECHA signature outreach initiative ECHA featured in PSAs, television spots (including SEC
network), social media, and related sporting events
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Focus of soon-to-be launched multimedia strategy: “Every Meal Matters”
ECHA: Connecting Policy and Practice
Amplify and multiply task member voices Cross-pollinate between sectors to create
momentum for change Help an educated public know how to push for
change Identify and share best practices to affect policy &
actualize long-term change
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The Power of Partnerships
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service Strike Force (rural counties)
Feeding America (food bank network) Food Research and Action Council(FRAC) Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
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Advancing our efforts through work with national policymakers and partners:
Building the Movement
Support member organizations in connecting sound policy with best practice
Launch “Every Meal Matters” public awareness campaign
Expand summer feeding and breakfast in the classroom success in rural/poorest areas
Recruit greater university participation with focus on students and athletics
Engage the private sector Encourage citizens to join the movement by acting
locally
Every meal matters