D.C. Hunger Solutions - In the News

2010

Cheh introduces the FEED DC Act to fight obesity by improving access to healthy foods in low-income neighborhoods
"'D.C. Hunger Solutions applauds Councilmember Cheh for her leadership and commitment to closing the grocery gap. Limited access to full-service grocers impacts the health and well-being of hungry families. Closing the grocery gap makes sense for struggling households and makes economic sense for the District,' said Alexandra Ashbrook, director of D.C. Hunger Solutions. 'The FEED DC legislation will accelerate efforts to close this gap by prioritizing full-service grocery development, jumpstarting public private partnerships, and coordinating the work of District stakeholders to bring more full-service grocery stores to food deserts. This bill will make a huge difference for low-income households and the city overall.'" (Mary Cheh press release, July 13, 2010)
New D.C. Bill Aims To Improve Food Options In Low-Income Areas (WAMU, July 13, 2010)

In The Washington Post: "D.C. Council launching campaign against childhood obesity"
Alex Ashbrook, director of D.C. Hunger Solutions, called in-classroom breakfast a possible "magic bullet of school reform" because some studies link a good breakfast to increased test scores and fewer visits to the school nurse. "If you want to do an intervention that will pay off, make sure every kid is fueled with a good breakfast," Ashbrook said. (Washington Post, May 2, 2010)

Councilmember Cheh's Healthy Schools Act Unanimously Passes Council Committees and First Reading
"Two out of every five District households with children say they were unable to afford enough food for their families last year," said Alexandra Ashbrook, Director, DC Hunger Solutions. "By supporting access to healthy school meals, the Healthy Schools Act will help struggling families and ensure that all children get the nutritious food they need to learn, stay healthy, and ultimately thrive. The bill also will help move us closer to achieving President Barack Obama's goal to end childhood hunger by 2015 and the goals of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Campaign."

• Introduction of SNAP Expansion Act of 2010 (pdf) (Office of Mary M Cheh - March 16, 2010)
• Remarks for SNAP Event at Bread for the City (pdf) (Office of Mary M Cheh - April 6, 2010)

Council member Michael Brown Extends Food Stamp Program - "Alexandra Ashbrook, executive director of D.C. Hunger Solutions, commended Brown for helping struggling residents like Perkins fight poverty and hunger. (Washington Informer, April 15, 2010)

D.C. Hunger Solutions on News Channel 8 - DCHS Director Alex Ashbrook on News Channel 8's "News Talk" discussing the recent food hardship report, the importance of school breakfast and lunch, afterschool suppers, and child nutrition reauthorization. (January 27, 2010)

2009

Meal program aims to keep kids hungry for learning - D.C. Hunger Solutions brought Washington Post reporter Bill Turque to Southeast Academy to explore the benefits of breakfast in the classroom. (November 16, 2009)

The Last Hope for Hungry Kids - The Washington Post covers summer nutrition programs in D.C. (May 30, 2009)

New Food Stamp Act to Aid in Decreasing D.C. Hunger - The Washington Examiner covers the Food Stamp Expansion Act of 2009 introduced in the D.C. City Council. (March 12, 2009)

Food insecurity in the District - Greater Greater Washington profiles the DC Food Finder. (February 5, 2009)

Tough choices for America's hungry - features a profile of a SNAP/Food Stamp recipient in the District that D.C. Hunger Solutions helped, and a quote by Jim Weill, President, Food Research and Action Center.

2008

DC Healthy Store Initiative Summit: A Call for Hunger Solutions (pdf) - "East of the River" article on DCHS's Corner Store Initiative and the Corner Store Initiative Summit.

In D.C., Where Kids Live Sets the Tone for Weight-Loss Success - Washington Post article on the District's obesity epidemic. (May 20, 2008)

Food Stamps Buy Less - CNN video featuring Alexis Ashbrook, Director of D.C. Hunger Solutions. (May 6, 2008)

Food Desert - Washington Business Journal article on D.C. Hunger Solutions’ Corner Store Initiative. (February 13, 2008)

2006

City Rates at the Top for Participation (Washington Post, July 14, 2006)

Healthful Foods Not An Option For Many; Poorer Areas Lack Access, Report Says (Washington Post, July 13, 2006)

Study: Access to Quality Food Lacking in Most Areas of D.C. (The Examiner, July 7, 2006)

Thirty-Five Thousand Children Can't Count on Having Dinner Tonight (Washington Post, April 19, 2006)

Healthier Food is Key to Anti-Hunger Plan (Washington Post, April 19, 2006)

Student Meal Program To Expand to 3 a Day (Washington Post, April 19, 2006)

2004

Fewer Poor Students Eat Free Breakfasts in Region (Washington Post, November 19, 2004)

D.C. Schools to Offer Better Vending Choices (Washington Post, July 22, 2004)

Education Office Chief Resigning (Washington Post, June 10, 2004)

D.C. Meal Program Changes Proposed (Washington Post, April 15, 2004)

Food Activists Assail Mayor (Washington Post, March 11, 2004)

2003

Meal Program for Needy Kids Suffers Setback ((Washington Post))

Food Bank May Quit District Program (Washington Post)

Back-to-School Resources

This school year will be an especially exciting one, with the coming implementation of the Healthy Schools Act, which will substantially improve health, wellness, and nutrition of students in D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools. Visit the Government Food/ Nutrition Programs section of our site for information on improving school meal access, expanding participation, and collecting school meal applications.

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