Teachers and classified employees play an important and overlooked role in the lives of the children. They support, inspire, motivate, and nurture the next generation of leaders. They understand that in order for students to succeed, they cannot address all of the challenges in closing the achievement gap and educating all students at high levels alone –  a community of people, resources and services are needed. 

Hunger disproportionately affects rural, Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities. School nutrition, specifically access to and participation in, are a fundamental component in achieving educational equity. Students cannot learn, much less engage in deeper learning, if their basic physiological needs are unmet. For example, studies show that kids who eat school breakfast are more likely to excel academically, be more alert, and have better concentration, memory and attendance, and fewer behavioral problems. 

With California’s Universal School Meals program, students have access to breakfast and lunch at no cost. But we know, the work does not stop there. Barriers such as stigma and transportation challenges continue to make it difficult for many kids to participate. Because every child deserves three meals a day to grow up healthy and achieve their dreams, our work to fight child hunger is not done in isolation. 

No Kid Hungry California is taking this opportunity to recognize and celebrate Hunger Heroes who have rallied against child hunger and have been champions for school meals in the classroom and beyond. 

We invite you to nominate educators, custodians, nutrition professionals in your school who have gone above and beyond to ensure students have access to nutritious school meals.

The nomination form closes on Monday, April 8, 2024 at 12:00 PM. Award winners will be announced in May.

Please email any questions to contact us at nokidhungryca@strength.org.