Utah Mayors Unite to Combat Childhood Hunger
Seven Utah mayors have joined a growing national movement to address childhood hunger, becoming part of a coalition of over 500 mayors across the United States. The initiative, spearheaded by the Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger, aims to increase access to vital nutrition programs and support families struggling with food insecurity.
The participating Utah mayors represent the cities of Millcreek, Bluffdale, Layton, Clearfield, Orem, Salt Lake City, and Salt Lake County. Their commitment comes as national statistics reveal a significant challenge: approximately 48 million people in the United States experience hunger, with 14 million of those being children, according to data from Feeding America.
Millcreek Mayor Cheri Jackson emphasized the moral imperative to ensure children have consistent access to healthy meals. Ensuring that every child in Millcreek has access to healthy, reliable meals is not a partisan issue — it’s a moral responsibility,
she stated. When children are hungry, they struggle to learn, grow and thrive.
This sentiment underscores the coalition’s nonpartisan approach to tackling a fundamental need.
A Collaborative Approach to a Complex Problem
The Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger, launched in , operates on the principle that local leaders are uniquely positioned to identify and implement effective solutions. The alliance harnesses the collective influence of mayors to advocate for policies and programs that address the root causes of childhood hunger.
A key partner in this effort is Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Through this collaboration, the alliance aims to boost participation in federal nutrition programs, strengthen community partnerships, and raise awareness about the systemic factors contributing to food insecurity. Aaron Goldstein, senior manager of local government relations at Share Our Strength, highlighted the innovative approaches being taken by local leaders. Mayors have witnessed firsthand the hardship their constituents are facing, and their cities are on the frontlines of responding to the short and long-term impacts of hunger in their communities,
he said. We have seen mayors address child hunger in a variety of creative ways, from advocating for and strengthening nutrition programs, to creating innovative public-private partnerships and growing awareness of the systemic connections between poverty, racism and hunger.
Beyond Food Banks: Addressing Systemic Issues
While emergency food assistance, such as food banks, plays a crucial role, the Mayors Alliance recognizes that addressing childhood hunger requires a more comprehensive approach. This includes advocating for policies that increase economic opportunity, improve access to affordable housing, and address systemic inequities that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
The alliance’s focus on federal nutrition programs is particularly important. Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the National School Lunch Program provide a critical safety net for families struggling to afford food. By working to increase participation in these programs, mayors can help ensure that more children have access to the nourishment they need to thrive.
Utah’s Commitment and Next Steps
The commitment from the seven Utah mayors signals a growing recognition of the importance of addressing childhood hunger within the state. Millcreek City officials have stated their intention to increase support for families, expand access to nutrition programs, and forge partnerships to create opportunities for all children. The other participating Utah mayors – Natalie Hall of Bluffdale, Joy Petro of Layton, Erin Mendenhall of Salt Lake City, Jenny Wilson of Salt Lake County, Mark Shepherd of Clearfield, and David Young of Orem – are expected to pursue similar initiatives within their respective communities.
The Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger provides a platform for these leaders to share best practices, collaborate on innovative solutions, and advocate for policies that support children and families. This collaborative effort represents a significant step towards creating a future where all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential, free from the constraints of hunger.
The alliance’s nonpartisan nature is also noteworthy. Addressing childhood hunger is presented not as a political issue, but as a fundamental moral obligation. This framing is likely to foster broader support for initiatives aimed at ensuring that all children have access to the nutritious food they need to grow and thrive.
