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