Statement on the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health

Attributable to the Greater Chicago Food Depository

The Greater Chicago Food Depository applauds today’s announcement that the Biden-Harris Administration will host the second-ever White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health in September.

The first convening to focus a national dialog on hunger in more than 50 years, this Conference comes at a critical time for our nation and the communities we serve. This is a vital opportunity for community organizations, anti-hunger and nutrition advocates, people with lived experience, and other stakeholders to influence a national plan to address hunger and nutrition disparities.

In 2022, food insecurity remains elevated in the Chicago area and across the United States as COVID-19 continues and food prices rise. As a proud member of the Feeding America network of food banks, the Food Depository and our local partners have been responding to unprecedented demand. However, local hunger and its impact on health disparities persisted long before the current crisis and continue to disproportionately impact our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) neighbors.

Bold action and political willpower are required to advance lasting change and bring forth equity in food access, nutrition, and health outcomes for all Americans.

We believe it is vital for the Conference to elevate the perspectives and ideas of people with lived experience and are inspired to see that point mentioned in today’s official White House announcement. In collaboration with Feeding America, the Food Depository and our local partners look forward to supporting this work in the months to come.