FRAC Chat

Maryland Hunger Solutions is excited to announce the publication of the 2023 Maryland Hunger Profiles, a comprehensive resource, featuring the latest participation data for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), K–12 child nutrition programs, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The report, updated by Maryland Hunger Solutions annually, provides information at the state and county level. Each hunger profile also contains key demographic data points, including population, median household income, and percentage of the population living below the Federal Poverty Level.

Last week, the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) released its annual report Afterschool Suppers: A Snapshot of Participation — October 2021 and October 2022, which looks at participation in afterschool suppers and snacks on the state and national levels. The report finds that just over 1.15 million children received afterschool suppers through the Afterschool Nutrition Programs on an average school day in October 2022, reaching 339,360 fewer children compared to October 2021.

This week (October 9–13, 2023) is National School Lunch Week. Our partners at the School Nutrition Association are celebrating with the theme “Level Up with School Lunch”, and school nutrition staff and students across the country will be celebrating in cafeterias with special events, menus, and decorations.

The School Nutrition Programs are indeed something to celebrate. School breakfast and lunch are fundamental to the success of students and teens at school — reducing child hunger, improving student behavior, supporting academic achievement, and helping to build a sense of community. School breakfast and lunch also help to reduce food costs for families.

School meals have long served as our nation’s first line of defense against childhood hunger. We know that school meals contribute to better academic performance, attendance, and nutrition. However, after the loss of COVID-19 pandemic support that allowed meals to be served for free to all students, many families and school systems are struggling to readjust to the tiered payment system that has historically excluded too many children in need. Last school year (2022–2023) was the first academic year after the pandemic, where schools again had to collect forms and payments for school meals.

Last month began the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The observation started in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.

During this celebration, it is important to note the disparity that the COVID-19 pandemic and hunger have had on this community. Latinx and Black communities were disproportionately impacted during the pandemic, as hunger rose despite federal pandemic aid.

It is also important to note the amazing Latinx advocates across the country who are leading the charge to end hunger and poverty. The following are 12 advocates we want to highlight.