Mississippi leads the nation in nutrition problems with both extremely high rates of hunger and obesity. Both have long-term consequences on the health, education, and productive future of children. Affording nutritious food is a struggle for one-fifth of Mississippi families and many programs that serve children.

Julia Washington directs the Center’s food program to help small childcare programs participate in the federally-funded supplemental nutrition program for their young children. The food team also works with local mayors, public schools, and children’s programs to start supplemental summer food programs for children and teens. The food focus team has worked hard to create the opportunity to greatly expand its work with programming, organizing, and advocacy.