Media Contact:
Jordan Baker
jbaker@frac.org
980-290-7282
Statement attributable to Crystal FitzSimons, president, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC)
WASHINGTON, February 18, 2026 — FRAC is deeply saddened by the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a formidable civil rights leader. For more than half a century, Rev. Jackson led significant movements in our nation’s fight for racial equality and economic justice and served as a tenacious advocate for anti-hunger policies, affordable housing, quality education, and universal health care.
Through his Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he drew nationwide attention to the alarming rates of malnutrition and hunger in America and led large-scale efforts to reduce food insecurity through anti-hunger campaigns and church‑based meal programs. He called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) critical to the “war on poverty” for children and their families.
Most recently, Rev. Jackson spoke about the important role of SNAP during the government shutdown in November, saying: “It’s a moral outrage that as we approach the holidays, children won’t be able to get their SNAP benefits”. He also understood SNAP’s far-reaching impact beyond the dining room table and on local grocers, farmers, food retailers, and the people they employ.
FRAC is grateful for Rev. Jackson’s service, his voice, and unwavering commitment to building a more just society.
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The Food Research & Action Center improves the nutrition, health, and well-being of people struggling against poverty-related hunger in the United States through advocacy, partnerships, and by advancing bold and equitable policy solutions. To learn more, visit FRAC.org and follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky.