CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Ujima Hunger Coalition, a new non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating child hunger, announced its official launch today with a bold mission to enhance and expand access to essential child nutrition programs. Focused on the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Ujima aims to ensure every eligible child receives nourishing meals during summer breaks and after school hours.
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“When 1 in 5 kids in America doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from, we have a big challenge to tackle,” says Brian Wieher, Executive Director of the Ujima Hunger Coalition. “Everyone wants our children to be nourished and to thrive. Our National School Breakfast and School Lunch programs are essential to fighting food insecurity for millions of kids across the country. But what happens when school is out? That’s the gap we will fill. We have proven child nutrition initiatives, we have communities that need help, and we at Ujima have the expertise and ability to step in and make a real difference for this next generation.”
Summer meals play a crucial role in preventing summer learning loss. As No Kid Hungry reports, halting the “summer slide” for children from low-income families could save up to $50.6 billion in reteaching expenses—equivalent to about 10% of total U.S. K-12 education spending.
Named after the Swahili principle of “Ujima,” meaning collective work and responsibility, the coalition will unite communities, partners, and stakeholders to address gaps in food access and build sustainable, community-centered solutions. With an innovation mindset, the Ujima Hunger Coalition aims to:
- Establish state sponsorships and foster local partnerships to increase the reach of nutrition programs.
- Expand meal service coverage to rural and high-need areas where food insecurity is often higher and access to congregate summer meals sites is more challenging.
- Equip local leaders and organizations with the tools to make long-term impacts in their communities through our Empowerment Partnership Program.
The Ujima Hunger Coalition invites individuals, organizations, and donors to join in the fight against child hunger. By working together, we can create multiple sustainable pathways to nourish children when they are out of school. To learn more about the Ujima Hunger Coalition’s programs, get involved, or support their mission, visit www.ujimahunger.org.
About the Ujima Hunger Coalition
The Ujima Hunger Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to tackling food insecurity among America’s youth by expanding access to child nutrition programs. Inspired by the principle of collective work and responsibility, Ujima partners with communities to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions and build a future where all children are fed and nourished so they can grow, learn, and thrive. Learn more at www.ujimahunger.org.
Contact:
Brian Wieher
Executive Director
Ujima Hunger Coalition
(314) 584-8592
[email protected]
ujimahunger.org
SOURCE Ujima Hunger Coalition
