The Plan to End Childhood Hunger

Working together, we will end childhood hunger by surrounding all children in the District of Columbia with reliable access to good food and nutrition every place that touches their lives — in the family, at school and throughout the community.

It's More than an Idea

Ending childhood hunger sounds to many like an impossible goal — but with adequate funding and citywide participation, this plan will ensure that it will be done.

To learn more, download the brochure (3MB, PDF) which explains how together we will end childhood hunger.

Ten-Part Action Plan

Much of the work involves simply making sure people take advantage of the programs that are already available to them. The $1.4 million per year it will cost to implement this plan will yield $14 million a year in federal assistance that currently goes unclaimed by local families, schools and community groups who are eligible for it. Extending the reach and effectiveness of food stamps, school breakfast, after-school and summer food programs, and the Earned Income Tax Credit will have a dramatic impact on childhood hunger in the District.

• Part 1: Free nutritious breakfast will offered to all District of Columbia school children.
• Part 2: District of Columbia families will have the knowledge, skills and motivation to make healthy food choices
• Part 3: Ninety-eight percent of eligible individuals in the District of Columbia will participate in the Food Stamp program, receiving benefits sufficient to meet their needs.
• Part 4: Low-income families in the District of Columbia will achieve greater economic security.
• Part 5: All District of Columbia residents will have access to fresh, affordable produce in their neighborhoods.
• Part 6: All District of Columbia providers of after-school snacks and suppers will participate in the federal snack and supper programs and will serve all children in need.
• Part 7: All District of Columbia providers of summer meals for children will participate in the D.C. Free Summer Meals Program and serve all children and youth in need.
• Part 8: All pregnant women and pre-school children in the District of Columbia will have balanced, nutritious diets.
• Part 9: Low-income families in the District of Columbia will have access to nutritious food in family shelters and neighborhood food pantries, as necessary.
• Part 10: All eligible District of Columbia families will know about the food and nutrition programs available to them.