Representative Recognized for Work to Help Feed Children

Representative Recognized for Work to Help Feed Children

Edwards Secures $1,175,000 Per Year to Help 1 in 5 Ohio Children Living in Food-Insecure Households

COLUMBUS, Ohio – According to an organization that advocates for children, Rep. Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville) has been working to ensure funding to feed those in need.

In a released statement, Children’s Hunger Alliance, a statewide non-profit dedicated to ending childhood hunger in Ohio, expressed their appreciation to State Rep. Edwards for including $1,175,000 per year in the state biennial budget (Am. Sub. HB 166).

“Edwards fought hard to secure this funding in the House budget and if it is included in the final budget, Children’s Hunger Alliance will be able to help continue serving children struggling with poverty. Without Edwards support, this budget allocation would not have been made possible,” according to the press release from Children’s Hunger Alliance.

“Children should not have to worry about when they will have their next meal,” said Edwards. “I want our children to succeed and that begins with making sure they have proper nutrition and food to eat. I will continue to speak to my Senate colleagues to ensure that we secure this much-needed funding for Ohio’s children.”

Lack of proper nutrition negatively impacts a child’s ability to learn and grow, ultimately limiting a child’s potential. In Ohio, one in five children are living in food insecure homes without adequate access to healthy meals. Children’s Hunger Alliance works alongside community partners to serve children where the need is most critical.

“I sincerely appreciate the support from Rep. Edwards on our budget request,” said Judy Mobley, president and CEO of Children’s Hunger Alliance. “Ohio’s national ranking in the federal nutrition programs show that many children in poverty still need our help. State funds along with those of our committed supporters will make a difference for our children.”

Last year, Children’s Hunger Alliance provided approximately 7 million meals to Ohio children through its partnerships with 275 afterschool programs, 30 daycare centers, and nearly 800 in-home child care providers throughout the state leveraging the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s federal nutrition programs, administered by the Ohio Department of Education. Their direct sponsorship work returns millions of dollars back to Ohio. The agency also helped increase access to school breakfast and summer meals for thousands of students.