The Role of Policy in Ending Hunger
When most people think about hunger, they picture community food drives, soup kitchens, or church pantries—and those efforts matter deeply. But to truly address hunger in our country, we must talk about policy. Because behind every grocery bag handed out and every meal served is a much larger support system at work: government programs that operate quietly but powerfully in the background.
Programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), and free school lunches don’t just feed people—they offer dignity, consistency, and hope. They keep families afloat during hard times and ensure children get the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and succeed.
As someone who’s worked in nonprofit leadership for decades, I’ve seen the life-changing impact these programs have—and I’ve also seen how misunderstood they often are.
SNAP: A Lifeline for Millions
SNAP is the largest federal nutrition assistance program in the U.S., helping over 40 million Americans each year. Often referred to as “food stamps,” SNAP provides low-income individuals and families with funds to purchase groceries. It’s not fancy, but it’s effective.
Some critics argue that people abuse SNAP or rely on it for too long. From my experience, that’s far from the truth. Most recipients are working families, seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans. They’re people doing their best in a system that often doesn’t give them a fair shot.
SNAP is designed to adjust with need—meaning if your income rises, your benefits decrease. It’s flexible, efficient, and provides families with the ability to choose their own groceries. That autonomy matters. It gives people the power to make decisions for themselves rather than being handed a bag of food and told to make it work.
I’ve met parents who’ve said that SNAP meant the difference between feeding their kids or skipping meals themselves. That’s not a handout—that’s humanity.
WIC: Starting Strong from the Beginning
If SNAP is about daily food security, WIC focuses on the foundation—early development and maternal health. The WIC program supports pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five by providing nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and health education.
The early years of a child’s life are critical. Poor nutrition during this time can have lasting effects on brain development, school readiness, and overall health. WIC helps ensure that the next generation doesn’t start life at a disadvantage simply because of their zip code or household income.
One of the most powerful aspects of WIC is its preventative nature. By supporting families before a crisis hits, it helps break the cycle of generational hunger and poverty. I’ve seen WIC help young mothers not only feed their children but learn about proper nutrition, access prenatal care, and gain confidence in their parenting journey.
This is more than a nutrition program—it’s a gateway to stability for vulnerable families.
Free School Meals: Fueling Learning
As a longtime advocate for children, I can’t overstate how critical school meal programs are. For many kids, school is not just a place to learn—it’s the only place they eat regularly. Free and reduced-price lunch programs (and increasingly, breakfast programs too) make sure children don’t have to learn on an empty stomach.
I’ve been in classrooms where teachers keep snacks in their desks because they know some kids haven’t eaten since the day before. I’ve met students who are embarrassed to receive free lunch, even though it’s what they rely on to get through the day.
School meals aren’t charity—they’re fuel for education. Children who are well-fed are better able to focus, participate, and succeed. And now, with more schools adopting universal free lunch models, we’re removing the stigma that keeps too many hungry kids from accepting help.
Policy That Reflects Compassion
At its core, public policy is a reflection of our values. Do we believe that children deserve to eat regardless of their family’s income? Do we believe that a working parent should be able to put food on the table? That a pregnant woman should be supported in giving her baby the best possible start?
These programs answer “yes” to all of those questions. And they do it efficiently. Studies have shown that programs like SNAP and WIC have some of the lowest fraud rates in the federal government. More importantly, they work. They reduce hunger, improve health outcomes, support educational achievement, and stimulate local economies.
In a society where the cost of living continues to rise, these programs are more necessary than ever.
What We Can Do
It’s not enough to support these programs quietly—we need to speak up for them. Here’s how:
- Advocate: Call your elected officials and urge them to protect and expand nutrition programs. Remind them that food is not a luxury—it’s a basic human right.
- Educate: Help dispel myths about food assistance. Most recipients are hardworking people who simply need help making ends meet.
- Donate and Volunteer: While government programs are critical, community efforts still matter. Food banks, pantries, and nonprofits rely on support to reach those who fall through the cracks.
- Vote with Compassion: Pay attention to the policies and priorities of those running for office. Support leaders who believe in ending hunger—not just managing it.
A Personal Mission
For me, this isn’t just policy—it’s personal. I’ve spent my career walking alongside families who are doing their best with limited resources. I’ve seen the relief in a mother’s eyes when she learns she qualifies for WIC. I’ve seen the joy on a child’s face when he gets a hot school lunch after a long weekend of going without.
Fighting hunger isn’t about politics—it’s about people. It’s about choosing compassion, equity, and justice. Programs like SNAP, WIC, and school meals don’t solve every problem, but they are some of the strongest tools we have in the fight against food insecurity.
Let’s protect them. Let’s strengthen them. And let’s never forget the difference they make—every single day.