Hunger in this country is a policy choice, and it means that there's a policy solution.

And when we talk about childhood hunger, school meals, particularly free school meals, through

programs like CEP, they're part of that solution.

They're a major driving point of that solution.

It increases dignity.

It raises the nutrition equity, right?

It's allowing children to have access to the meals that they need so that they continue

to do what they need to do in school.

They need to focus.

Hi, everyone.

I'm Kimberly Atkins Store, and this is Justice by Design, a podcast that recognizes

that justice doesn't just happen on its own. It is done through the hard work, commitment,

and innovation of hardworking people to bring about the change that we want to see.

You know, I often joke with my husband if I've, you know, if I'm not focused or if I make a mistake or if I'm a little grumpy,

I say, well, I'm hungry. You know, we all know that when we haven't had enough to eat,

we are not at our best. But when we're talking about children,

children in communities that are lower income earning, not having enough to eat can be really

devastating. I found out that nearly 60% of children in low-income communities have reported coming to school hungry at least once, and many of them, up to 12% are so distracted from their hunger that they can't concentrate in schools.

This affects not only their grades. Studies have shown that it makes

concentration harder for them, both in and out of school. Their academic performance suffers.

They can even suffer from behavioral issues. And not getting adequate food can also make you more

likely to become sick, to be ill, and then

...