A Look Back at a Successful 2010 and a Sneak Peek at our Big Plans for 2011
Posted by Billy Shore on Thursday, January 6, 2011
2010 was the most successful in the 26-year history of Share Our Strength. We saw unprecedented progress in our battle against child hunger and we have no doubt that 2011 is going to be even better. So as we begin this new year, I want to share a brief look back at what was accomplished and provide a glimpse of our plans moving forward.
1. We’re shining a national spotlight on hunger through No Kid Hungry
Childhood hunger in the US is often difficult to see. It hides in the shadows and remains invisible to far too many people. That’s why part of our challenge is to make the “invisible hunger” visible through national awareness efforts.
In early November we announced our new No Kid Hungry Campaign™, and we were thrilled that Academy Award-winner and long-time anti-hunger advocate Jeff Bridges signed on as our national spokesperson. Since then, more than 20,000 individuals have taken the No Kid Hungry Pledge and the campaign has garnered extensive media coverage.
- What’s next for the No Kid Hungry Campaign: No Kid Hungry will continue to grow in 2011. We’ll be announcing new partnerships and initiatives as the Campaign continues. Join the Team by taking the Pledge and become a part of this exciting initiative.
2. We expanded our state and city-based campaigns to end childhood hunger
One of the key building blocks of Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign is strong partnerships with state and local governments. As of the end of 2010, we were active in ten states, including new No Kid Hungry partnerships with Governor Beebe of Arkansas and Mayor Mitch Landrieu of New Orleans. We also deepened our involvement in Connecticut, New York City, and Los Angeles. This is in addition to our previously existing partnerships in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Washington, and the District of Columbia. In all these locations, Share Our Strength is working with government agencies, schools, business leaders and other community organizations to increase access to existing food programs.
And it’s working! Our partnership in Colorado increased the number of summer meals served by 25% in 2009. And in its first months, our partnership in Washington state championed legislation that helped an additional 370,000 families access Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (food stamps). That’s the kind of impact you have when you support Share Our Strength! But it’s only the beginning.
- What’s Next for Local Partnerships: In 2011, we’ll launch partnerships in an additional 8 locations and implement exciting programs to boost participation in summer meals, school breakfast, and food stamps. We’ll also keep you updated on our progress within our existing state partnerships.
3. We’re providing nutrition education
Another high-impact way to reduce childhood hunger is to teach families how to stretch limited food dollars and make healthy, delicious meals at home. Through Cooking Matters (formerly Operation Frontline), Share Our Strength provides families with hands-on courses that give them the tools they need to have healthy, hunger-free homes for a lifetime. In 2010 alone, we reached more than 10,000 families. Most importantly, follow up evaluations show that families continue to maintain healthy cooking habits long after the class is over.
- What’s Next For Nutrition Education: We’re focusing on further expansion of Cooking Matters, plus the launch of a new shopping education program to help families shop smartly on a budget.
4. We’re supporting local food programs
We provide grants to help community organizations make food available to the children and families who need it most. Since 1984 we’ve raised over $280 million for the fight against hunger in America and around the globe through our culinary events like Taste of the Nation, Great American Dine Out and Great American Bake Sale.
- What’s next for supporting local food programs: In 2011, we’ll be granting more money than ever before to organizations that are doing cutting-edge work to end hunger in their communities.
5. We’re influencing policy in Washington
In 2010, Share Our Strength helped lead the charge for a landmark child nutrition bill, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. The bill was signed by President Obama in mid-December after months of hard work by advocates, chefs, parents, and congressional champions who wanted to see important changes for the meal programs on which America’s hungry kids rely. We also worked closely with First Lady Michelle Obama to recruit nearly 800 chefs to join her Chefs Move to Schools Campaign, an initiative to connect culinary professionals with school food staff to teach new skills and introduce healthy recipes to the lunchroom.
- What’s next for influencing policy: One of the key provisions authorized in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act for which Share Our Strength advocated was the State Childhood Hunger Challenge Grants. These grants are awarded on a competitive basis to governors who develop comprehensive plans to end childhood hunger with partners in the non-profit and private sectors, much like Share Our Strength has done in many states already. In 2011, we’re going back to Capitol Hill to make sure that Congress fully funds this important and innovative program.
2011 is going to be an amazing year — we’re excited you’re going to be a part of it.
January 6, 2011 | 4 comment(s) | Tags: Arkansas, Cooking Matters, great american bake sale, great american dine out, jeff bridges, New Orleans, state partnerships, Taste of the Nation
Comments
4 reader comments so far.
What assurance is there that all the donations actually are distributed to American children here in America? If I want to volunteer to help, can my help or participation go to local needy children? Montana zip code 59859
Posted by merle royse on January 6, 2011
We own restaurants and I offered (to your organization, local school district and food bank) to lead the way in launching a nationwide initiative for restaurants to offer a nightly family meal for a qualified child and his or her family. All we needed was a way of identifying those with the greatest need. One restaurant wouldn't help much, but just think if restaurants across this great country participated. Strangely, I have received no response. What am I missing here? Am I the only one who can see the good that can be done?
Posted by George Brown on January 24, 2011
I, too, would like to know how to find qualifying people in my area to help. I sent an email to strength.org and never received a reply.
Posted by Chris K on January 24, 2011
Hi i to would like too know way some of your posted comments have not recrived a rebly from anyone that would know how to help and if the money is going to yhe kids
Posted by melvin r. hoffer on January 24, 2011
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