Partnership for a Healthier America

The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) warns that proposed cuts to SNAP and school meals could severely impact the Summer EBT program, which provides crucial nutrition for children during the summer months. We stand with FRAC in urging policymakers to protect these essential programs and ensure all children have access to the food they need. Read FRAC's full analysis here: https://lnkd.in/exc2Y7x9

It's National Public Health Week! The Center for Nutrition & Health Impact shares some ways you can get involved to make a positive impact on your community, not just this week but every day.

Our partners at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), have issued a statement on the recent tariffs being imposed on imports. Creating an exemption for fresh produce under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will help keep fruits and vegetables affordable for families in America, especially those with limited money to spend on food. However, we share IFPA's concern about the potential for tariffs to disrupt global trade and supply chains and that it will drive up food prices. PHA supports IFPA's continued efforts for long-term solutions that benefit farmers, businesses, and consumers in our pursuit of providing access to nutritious food for all in America. Read IFPA's full statement here: https://lnkd.in/g76jx3-Z

At PHA, we’ve always believed that good food has the power to transform lives. We know that knowledge is power, and when we educate ourselves about the benefits of nutritious food, we take an essential step toward a healthier America. However, we also recognize the barriers that prevent so many from accessing healthy options. For the past 15 years, we’ve been committed to bridging those gaps, providing education, and leading programs that ensure everyone has access to nutritious food. Our mission to advance equitable access to nutritious food for all in America to lead healthy lives remains as crucial as ever. As we celebrate National Nutrition Month and our 15th anniversary, we reflect on the progress we've made — and the work still ahead. Together, we’ll continue moving toward a healthier future for all.

Our Senior Director of Impact and Evaluation Margaret Read attended the Healthy Eating Research (HER) Annual Meeting last week, where HER celebrated 20 years of advancing nutrition and health equity. Over the past two decades, HER has supported vital research on policies, systems, and strategies that promote healthy eating for children. As long-time collaborators with HER since PHA's founding, we’re proud to continue our work together on topics like federal nutrition assistance programs, ultra-processed foods, food systems, and food policy and nutrition research. Thank you, Margaret, for representing us at this important meeting!

Too many people across the country can’t access or afford the fresh, healthy food they need. But we’re working to change that. Since 2020, our Good Food at Home program has provided over 45 million servings of fruits and vegetables to families in communities across the US. And we’re just getting started! Want to stay in the loop as our Good Food at Home program expands to new cities? Sign up for our newsletter today! https://lnkd.in/ebP6qUvC

ACTION ALERT: The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service has officially terminated the second round of the Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC) program, effective May 6. This program was set to provide $660 million to support schools, child care centers, and food banks by helping them purchase fresh, locally grown food like fruits and vegetables from American farmers and ranchers. This is a devastating blow to our communities, where access to nutritious, locally sourced food is already a challenge. With this cut, many K-12 schools, childcare centers, and families will struggle to provide healthy meals to children. You can visit the National Farm to School Network Action Alert to make your voice heard on programs that support our local food systems.

Today, on International Women's Day, we’re proud to highlight our fearless leader and lifelong food access advocate, Noreen Springstead, our President & CEO. Noreen is a frequent thought leader on the hunger crisis and was named one of SHAPE Magazine’s most powerful female changemakers in 2019 and a Notable Non-Profit Leader by CRAIN’s New York Business in 2021. She's been featured in The New York Times Magazine, Fast Company, WCBS Newsradio 880, and The Record, using her platform to challenge the dominant narrative around hunger and its solutions. A true champion for food access, Noreen has made incredible strides in this space, and we’re beyond grateful for her unwavering leadership. Happy International Women's Day!

Last month, the MS Delta team participated in the Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center’s GO RED Health Fair, a community event celebrating Heart Health Awareness Month. Our team members were able to establish new partnerships with healthcare providers and community leaders, and reinforce our commitment to promoting health through nutrition in Mississippi. The team shared delicious and nutritious snacks at the Rootswell table and demonstrated that healthy eating can be both accessible and enjoyable. They also provided updates on the grocery revitalization project at J's Grocery, a key initiative aimed at increasing access to local, affordable produce in Clarksdale, MS! We’re grateful to our partner Novo Nordisk Foundation , for funding our work in the Mississippi Delta. Together, we’re increasing access to healthy food for communities who need it the most.

We’re just one week away from our Raising Adventurous Eaters Webinar! Have you secured your spot yet? 👀 Be sure to share this with new parents, parents of toddlers, caregivers, and pediatricians. This FREE webinar is a must-attend if you want to learn how to feed your little ones and help them develop healthy eating habits. Join us alongside The Dr. Yum Project, Kofi Essel, MD, MPH, FAAP, Carmen Berry, MPH, RD, LD, Emily Rydbom, BCHN, CNP, Melanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLP, and don’t miss out! Register here: https://bit.ly/RAEWebinar