John Oliver Highlights the Importance of School Meals as Child Food Insecurity Rates Rise

Article by Christina Chauvenet, Newman’s Own Foundation’s Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation Officer

In a recent segment on “Last Week Tonight,” John Oliver shed light on a critical issue facing America’s children: food insecurity. A report from Newman’s Own Foundation Grantee Partner, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), was cited in the segment as Oliver discussed how providing school meals for all children at no charge can decrease stigma for children from low income households, improve the quality of meals served at school, and increase food security.  

As Oliver concludes “We have the power to ensure no kid in this country goes hungry… Maybe we should be considering school lunch as an essential school supply, you know like books or desks, as an investment in kids’ future.” 

Oliver’s compelling argument couldn’t be more apt or timely, especially when we consider the latest data on food insecurity in the United States. 

The Growing Challenge of Child Food Insecurity 

Unfortunately, the report released earlier this month by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on food security shows we are moving in the wrong direction. In 2023, nearly one in five children lived in households experiencing food insecurity—the highest rate since 2014. This rate translates to a staggering 13.8 million children facing uncertain access to meals. 

While 13.5% of all households experience food insecurity, the rate for households with children is significantly higher at 17.9%. The USDA report does not include food security data specifically for American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities, though they often experience higher rates of food insecurity compared to non-native populations.  

In light of these alarming statistics, Newman’s Own Foundation remains committed to our mission to nourish and transform the lives of children facing adversity. 

Advancing Food Justice: The Newman’s Own Foundation Approach 

We envision a country where all children have access to nutritious, culturally relevant foods; learn about healthy foods and sustainable food systems; and have opportunities to grow, gather, and cook food. We believe that food should nourish children not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. Food justice cannot be achieved while children are living with food insecurity. The new statistics from USDA underscore the urgency of working to ensure no child in this country goes hungry. Children facing food insecurity are at risk of averse outcomes including delayed development, chronic health issues, and anxiety and depression. These health issues can limit a child’s ability to thrive in childhood and into adulthood. 

That’s why Newman’s Own Foundation is proud to announce our 12 Food Justice for Kids Prize Grantee Partners. These organizations join over 50 other Newman’s Own Foundation Grantee Partners that are leaders in the fields of Nutrition Education and School Food and Indigenous Food Justice. Our Grantee Partners span grassroots initiatives providing culturally relevant nutrition education and supporting Indigenous food sovereignty, to national efforts transforming school food systems to offer free, healthy, and culturally appropriate meals. Through these diverse approaches, our Grantee Partners are pioneering pathways to achieve food justice for children.  

Looking Ahead 

As we confront the rising tide of child food insecurity, Newman’s Own Foundation is doubling down on our commitment to innovative solutions. We believe that by working together—with our grantee partners and communities—we can turn the tide and achieve true food justice for all children in America. 

In the words of our founder, Paul Newman, “I just happen to think that in life we need to be a little like the farmer who puts back into the soil what he takes out.” It’s time we all come together to nourish the future of our children.