Ending world hunger is undoubtedly one of the most critical issues impacting the modern world. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), approximately 828 million people worldwide lack proper food, and more than 43 million are at serious risk of famine.
Moreover, diets that cannot provide essential nutrients are also affecting the health and well-being of millions more. This could impact the future of numerous countries globally, including the US.
According to President Joe Biden, “There is still hunger in America. But over the past 50 years, we have learned so much more about nutrition and the role that healthy eating plays in how our kids perform in the classroom and about nutrition and its linkages to disease prevention.”
As a result, the Biden Administration has recently announced the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities.
About the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities
The Biden-Harris Administration introduced The White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities to create a healthier future for all Americans. This challenge encourages communities and public and private companies (regardless of size) to participate in the movement to end hunger. Organizations are encouraged to make bold and significant commitments within the five pillars of this national strategy.
PILLAR 1
This pillar is about improving food access and affordability—10.4% of US households, and 12.5% with children, are food insecure. In response to this widespread inaccessibility to food, the government recommends aiding school meal programs and ensuring that American children have access to nutritious meals over the Summer.
Expanding participation and allowing community members to take part in designing and implementing the various federal assistance programs is essential to accomplish this movement.
PILLAR 2
Businesses and communities must integrate nutrition and health by investing in health-related social needs and programs. Performing increased screenings for food shortages and granting nutrition services is essential, as well as providing health professionals with improved information on how to help patients make healthy dietary choices and how to exercise.
A healthy diet should become a standard, yet, around 4.2 million people in the US cannot afford nutritious food, driving the urgency of this pillar.
PILLAR 3
The government promotes empowering American consumers with access to healthier choices. Organizations and communities must develop solutions to create and promote environments for healthier purchasing habits. For instance, by supporting local businesses and creating awareness for these entities, customers can optimize the growth of their local economy. In fact, according to research, local companies form 44% of the US economic activity, highlighting the importance of promoting these entities.
PILLAR 4
The next pillar supports exercise for all, and the Biden Administration encourages more opportunities for physical activity within communities. While 46.9% of adults above 18 years old meet Physical Activity Guidelines for aerobic physical activity, more than 80% of the youth do not meet these standards. As such, developing broad physical activity programs in schools is a priority.
PILLAR 5
To boost federal food assistance programs, this pillar promotes nutrition and food security research. Consistent research on food security among US households and the quality of consumables is vital to reduce hunger. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 660 million people may still face hunger in 2030. These insights enable researchers to identify strategies to minimize food insecurity and hunger in the following years.
Which Organizations Are Investing in This Challenge?
To guide these commitments, the Biden Administration will collaborate with the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. In addition, many organizations have invested in this initiative, including the Dohem Company Foundation, which pledged $60 million to advanced food solutions for improved health.
Another company that will support these pillars is DoorDash—they commit to healthier produce in DashMarts by 2025, offering produce sourced by local and regional grocers. InstaCart is the third business to join the White House challenge. They have partnered with several leading healthcare providers to create virtual food pharmacies in 2023.
What Programs Has The White House Implemented?
In addition to securing investments with numerous globally-renowned brands, the administration has developed the following solutions.
- The Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program. The budget for the 2023 fiscal year includes non-congregate meal options for children in rural areas.
- Medicaid section 1115. In Arkansas, Arizona, Oregon, and Massachusetts, the government has begun testing the coverage of medically-tailored meals.
- Healthier meals in schools. The administration proposed regulations to provide healthier food options in schools and make these meals significantly accessible.
- Free, healthy meals. By 2032, the Biden administration has proposed to provide free, nutritious meals to 9 million more children.
- 800 food access projects. By awarding $1 billion through grants, the government plans to fund 800 projects nationwide to improve food accessibility and promote healthy habits.
While deploying these programs will help the administration positively impact hunger in the US, businesses, and communities must contribute to achieve this challenge. The following section will explore institutions participating in the fight against hunger.
How Have Organizations Responded to the White House Challenge?
Since September 2022, leaders across various sectors have invested over $2.4 million into food accessibility and health programs in communities. They have also served over 9 million meals and raised nearly $40 million to minimize hunger. Here are a few more pivotal steps organizations have taken:
- Boston Medical Center. This institution invested $1.4 million to launch a minority-owned, local produce for healthy food in an affordable housing development.
- SHIPT. Launching an accelerator program—LadderUp, SHIPT has provided 10 retailers with education from industry leaders in the food, beverage, and grocery segments.
- Benefits Data Trust. Launching a data-driven tool, this organization can help higher education institutions better identify students eligible for public health programs (i.e., Medicaid and SNAP).
- Meijer. This supercenter chain offered a 10% discount on fruits and vegetables for SNAP beneficiaries.
In Closing
In addition to the measures businesses have taken to support the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities, the Biden administration has also implemented strategies to minimize food insecurity and promote healthy eating and exercise. As nationwide hunger has been a critical pain point in the US economy (and globally), supporting the five pillars of this challenge can make a significant difference.
