The Tennessee Department of Human Services is requesting feedback from Tennesseans regarding its food programs to ensure No Tennessee Child Goes Hungry in an effort to help increase community impact in alleviating hunger. Tennesseans are asked to email their comments to the department regarding the 2015 Reauthorization of Child Food Nutrition Programs also known as the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act. In addition, 2015 Summer Food Service Program sponsors are encouraged to participate in the first ever No Tennessee Child Hungry Excellence Awards.
This summer has been a transformational time for Tennessee’s Summer Food Service Program, a program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture intended to ensure that children who benefit from free and reduced price meals during the school year, have access to nutritious meals during the summer.
In recognition of the hard work and dedication of SFSP sponsors and feeding sites, the department is requesting nominations for the No Tennessee Child Hungry Excellence Awards. SFSP sponsors have been informed of the award application process and encouraged to apply for the Rookie of the Year Award, Impact Award, Trailblazer Award, Healthy Happy Meals Award and the Shining Star Award.
“We are so excited to announce the No Tennessee Child Hungry Excellence Awards founded on the abilities of summer 2015 SFSP sponsors,” said DHS Commissioner Dr. Raquel Hatter. “We are committed to maintaining momentum and continue to see a positive trend in the number of children served in recent years. Please add your strength to this very important cause. Tennessee children are counting on all of us. Let’s do it.”
Feedback on the food programs, including comment regarding the reauthorization of the Child Food Nutrition Program Act can be submitted by email to NoHungryTennesseeChild.DHS@tn.gov.
“Children are particularly vulnerable to hunger and poor nutrition when school is out. The Summer Meals Programs gives communities an opportunity to play a lead role in combating hunger and helping to promote good nutrition and physical activity,” said Robin Bailey, Jr., southeast regional administrator, USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
In August, DHS hosted a 2016 SFSP kickoff strategy session in partnership with the USDA Food and Nutrition Services and SFSP sponsors from across the state. The strategy session included panel discussions, group brainstorming sessions, presentation on how other states approach the SFSP and a call to action for the 2015 reauthorization of the Child Food Nutrition Program Act.
To learn more about the Tennessee Department of Human Services and the No Tennessee Child Should Go Hungry initiative visit:
http://www.tn.gov/humanservices/article/dhs-tn-foodprograms-initiative.