State governments have a significant stake in reducing hunger, food insecurity, and obesity. Together, these interrelated problems significantly reduce the productivity of a state’s workforce and increase states’ share of health-related costs. Moreover, states have a significant role to play in reducing hunger and obesity as administrators of a number of federally funded nutritional safety-net programs.
Yet, very few states have comprehensive strategies to effectively tackle this complex and interconnected web of interests. This particular event will focus on how states can use Food Action Plans to achieve the best possible outcomes for low-income families while also benefiting other consumers, boosting private industry, and spurring economic development.
Given the fiscal challenges currently facing states, heavy emphasis will be placed on the smart use of existing federal resources. Also, model food-planning efforts can inform approaches aimed at other antipoverty goals. This event will feature a new paper authored by Joel Berg and Joy Moses.
Welcoming remarks:
Melissa Boteach, Manager, Half in Ten Campaign
Paper presentation:
Joel Berg, Executive Director, New York City Coalition Against Hunger
Featured panelists:
Jason Elchert, Deputy Director, Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks
Rosemary King Johnston, Executive Director, Maryland Governor’s Office for Children
Sheri Steisel, Director of Human Services Policy, National Conference of State Legislatures
Josh Wachs, Chief Strategy Officer, Share Our Strength
Moderated by:
Joy Moses, Senior Policy Analyst, Center for American Progress