Hunger policy experts and advocates joined members of Congress in commitment to making a historic impact against child hunger and malnutrition
WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 4, 2025 – Bread for the World, a Christian advocacy organization urging U.S. decision-makers to pursue a world without hunger, announced Tuesday night the launch of its “Nourish Our Future” campaign focused on eradicating child hunger in the United States and around the world.
Rev. Eugene Cho, president and CEO of Bread for the World; Rev. Heather Taylor, Bread for the World managing director; and Dr. Jeremy Everett, Bread for the World board chair, were joined by advocates, experts, and Republican and Democratic members of Congress at the Capitol Visitor Center for the launch along with more than 1,000 people participating online.
“Nourish Our Future” is a two-year campaign that partly comprises expanding the Child Tax Credit, addressing college hunger, fully funding and strengthening the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and robustly funding global nutrition.
“Making sure that children, here in the United States and around the world, have the nutrition they need to grow and learn is the right thing to do. It’s also an efficient use of tax dollars. The ROI on nutrition investments is incredible, and the programs we’re supporting are evidence-based. That’s why Bread is launching ‘Nourish Our Future,’” said Cho.
During the launch, advocates with lived experience provided powerful testimonials about the importance of these programs to their lives and the well-being of their families.
Members of Congress, including Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (D-NC), Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE), Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Pablo José Hernández, Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL), and Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), also spoke about the “Nourish Our Future” priorities they have supported in Congress.
Statements from the advocates and members of Congress are below.
Cho noted the devastating impacts the pause on foreign aid will have, and what the proposed funding cuts to domestic programs could mean, for child nutrition programs but stressed that there is a way to move forward.
“The best thing we can do in this political environment is advocate for the policies we believe in. It’s especially important to acknowledge that the work to end hunger has always been done in a bipartisan way. We are so honored that members of Congress from both sides of the aisle are nutrition champions supportive of ‘Nourish Our Future’ – and we’re eager to connect with every member of Congress to have critical conversations about nutrition. When kids are fed and nourished, their entire life changes for the better– they can truly flourish. The drive to ensure children are able to flourish is why Bread seeks to build the imagination for a political alternative to polarization.”
Over 9 million children in the U.S. — one in eight — experience hunger every day. Nearly half of all preventable deaths among children under 5 are attributed to malnutrition. And yet, we are only able to reach 25 percent of those suffering from the most dangerous forms. Spending on foreign aid is, on average, less than 1 percent of the federal budget, but the impact of the programs is far-reaching. In 2023, USAID support reached 28 million children with vital nutrition programs. For every $1 invested in addressing undernutrition, countries see $23 in returns.
The “Nourish Our Future” campaign seeks to ensure a hunger-free future for vulnerable children by driving collective action and securing the necessary will to provide the resources needed to address the problem.
Statements from advocates with lived experience:
Child Tax Credit
“As a hardworking Arkansan, I’ve faced numerous challenges, including affordable childcare, food instability, and timely utility payments and rent. The Child Tax Credit has been a vital support system, helping me provide a more stable financial future for my family,” said Julie Sigears of Springdale, Arkansas. “The Child Tax Credit helps families like mine stay above water when unexpected events happen. During covid, I was able to use the Child Tax Credit to pay for childcare when my work schedule changed, requiring me to find different childcare arrangements. Without this support, I might have had to leave my job, pushing my family into a financial crisis. I firmly believe a permanent Child Tax Credit with full refundability and monthly payments is essential for families like mine. It’s not just about helping us, it’s about investing in our community’s well-being. I urge those lawmakers here tonight to prioritize this support for families and make it a reality. ”
College Hunger
“I have double majored in political science and human development and family science, and double minored in sociology and youth studies. In May, I will be the first in my family to graduate from college. Like many first-generation students, I work long hours to support myself and often don’t have money to access enough nutritious food,” said Mya Bell, a student at Purdue University Northwest in Indiana. “As a child, I helped my mom apply for SNAP. Having this responsibility at a young age filled me with immense worry for my family’s well-being, a worry I still carry with me today. As president of my university’s food pantry, I also help other students apply for SNAP, but it wasn’t until last week that a Bread for the World organizer suggested I apply for SNAP myself. Again, I experienced that same intense fear of misunderstanding or answering something incorrectly and becoming ineligible to receive food. It took me back to my childhood and to fears that I hoped I would never have to experience again.”
WIC
“Many have asked me why — with a master’s degree in biological sciences and a career as a research coordinator — I would need WIC,” said Ashley Blair, a mother from Memphis, Tennessee. “To be honest, when I first took on the role, I was being paid less than a worker at McDonald’s. The notion that someone with a degree would not need financial assistance is just not true. We wrestle with many of the same financial hardships as others. At one point, I had to carefully budget every penny. I vividly remember my daughter having a dentist’s appointment where her exam was not covered under my insurance. I had to choose between paying for my daughter’s dental exam or providing her with the food she needed. No parent should have to choose between feeding their child or getting the necessary screenings done to ensure quality of life. Having access to WIC has made a huge difference in my life and I am here asking that the WIC program be fully funded and modernized. The ‘Nourish Our Future’ platform will strengthen families so the fight to end hunger can be resolved. I’m excited to be a voice for Bread for the World and I cannot wait to see what they accomplish now and in the future. I urge those lawmakers here tonight to prioritize this support for families and support funding the WIC program.”
Global Nutrition
“’How did they survive? What did they eat?’ These questions weighed heavily on me as I first learned of my grandparents’ experience of World War II in Asia. My grandparents are from Singapore and these questions of survival echo in my work today,” said Joy Lee, program administrator for the Master of Arts in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership program at Wheaton College in Illinois. “I’ve had the privilege of working with graduate students from Liberia, Malawi, and Uganda, countries where many people live with malnutrition. Walking with them as they serve and advocate in places of loss and survival led me to understand the complex challenges of global malnutrition, and an even deeper concern for the harsh realities of hunger, particularly for children.
Amidst these challenges that can bring us to tears, I’ve grown to see the glimmers of God’s love moving as people take action to learn more, transform food systems, and enhance global nutrition. The legacy of hope and partnership from the United States is essential and supports U.S. strategic interests. Tonight, in these uncertain times, I stand with Bread for the World to urge Congress to take action and provide robust funding for global nutrition in the federal budget so children, made in the image of God who are asking ‘how will I survive? What will I eat?’, can walk their unique paths of boundless potential.”
Statements from members of Congress:
“You can’t be healthy if you’re hungry. We need many approaches to tackle hunger in our communities and across the country. Now more than ever, addressing college hunger, fully funding WIC, expanding the child tax credit, and fighting hunger abroad must all be essential strategies in addressing what I call my four H’s: hunger, housing, healthcare, and higher education. I commend Bread for the World’s efforts to literally ‘nourish our future’ and am proud to have led on – and continue to lead on – these issues,” said Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., (D-NC).
“I was honored to speak at the launch of Bread for the World’s ‘Nourish Our Future’ campaign. This incredible organization continues to do vital work in addressing hunger and supporting families across the country and around the world. At the event, I was excited to discuss the importance of expanding the Child Tax Credit—ensuring that it supports even the lowest-income families. Strengthening this policy will help lift millions of children out of poverty and give families the resources they need to thrive. I’m grateful for Bread for the World’s leadership and advocacy in this space, and I look forward to working together to create a brighter future for our children and our nation,” said Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL).
“Many people believe hunger is an overseas problem, but it’s not just that. It’s an American problem as well. It’s not because there isn’t enough food available, but access to it is limited. That is why I support Bread for World’s ‘Nourish Our Future’ campaign, which includes a call to fully fund WIC which provides mothers and young children with nutritious food, breastfeeding support and other programs. As a parent, I’m also concerned about college food insecurity. Many people don’t know this even exists and I’m excited to learn more about it and lead on this issue,” said Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE).
“I was honored to attend Bread for the World’s Launch of the ‘Nourish Our Future’ Campaign last evening. Food assistance programs are not just about feeding people; they are about creating stability, dignity, and opportunity. Transitioning from NAP to SNAP and strengthening WIC in Puerto Rico would help ensure that every family has access to the nutrition and support they deserve. But food security is just one piece of the puzzle. That’s why I am laser-focused on fueling Puerto Rico’s economic development and ensuring equal treatment in all federal benefits,” said Pablo José Hernández, Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico.
“Bread for the World plays a critical role in educating and advocating for the improved health and well-being of children and families. It was an honor to speak at the ‘Nourish Our Future’ kick-off event and I want to congratulate Bread on celebrating their 50th anniversary. While we have made some strides in reducing childhood hunger, we must do a better job prioritizing federal policy aimed at addressing the global nutrition crisis. I am committed to working alongside Republicans and Democrats in Congress to address the challenges of global child hunger,” said Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL).
“I’m always thrilled to join my friends at Bread for the World, and especially as they launch their new ‘Nourish Our Future’ platform. Now, more than ever, we as anti-hunger advocates need to speak up loud and clear about the scourge of hunger. We cannot allow our vital anti-hunger programs to be gutted. I extend my sincere thanks to everyone at Bread for the World for recommitting themselves to the vital mission to end hunger once and for all,” said Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA).
To learn more about Bread for the World’s commitment to a world without hunger and its 50 years of faithful advocacy, visit www.bread.org.
About Bread for the World
Bread for the World is a Christian advocacy organization urging U.S. decision-makers to do all they can to pursue a world without hunger. www.bread.org.
