In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the 14th annual NC Child Hunger Leaders Conference is set to convene, aiming to address the critical issue of child hunger in the state. The event will bring together leaders and advocates who are dedicated to ensuring that children have access to nutritious meals both at school and at home. Governor Josh Stein will deliver the keynote address, and there will be a special performance by Tosco Music. This conference underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to combat child hunger, highlighting various programs such as school meals, summer feeding initiatives, and innovative meal delivery services for rural areas.

The problem of child hunger in North Carolina is profound, with one in five children facing food insecurity. The conference focuses on celebrating and expanding programs that provide essential nutrition support. School-based meal programs, summer feeding initiatives, and a new 'meals to go' service for rural communities are among the key strategies discussed. These programs play a vital role in addressing the needs of nearly 70% of students in North Carolina public schools who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, a figure that has increased over recent years.

Despite potential cuts to federal programs administered by the USDA, organizers remain committed to advocating for the continuation of these crucial initiatives. Tamara Baker from the Carolina Hunger Initiative emphasized the importance of these programs, stating that while they cannot control federal changes, they will continue to highlight their significance and the necessity of their continuation.

The conference is hosted by the Carolina Hunger Initiative, part of the UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, in collaboration with No Kid Hungry North Carolina. Attendees will focus on advancing policies and practices that ensure all children have access to healthy meals, regardless of the challenges faced by federal programs. The event serves as a platform for sharing success stories and strategies to overcome obstacles in the fight against child hunger.