New Congress, New Champions, One Shared Commitment to Kids

Elections shape the direction of our country. But the responsibility to nourish, educate, and invest in our children belongs to all of us.

On November 3, Americans across the country made their voices heard, electing leaders who will help shape the future of our communities. As we prepare to welcome the 120th Congress in January, FoodCorps congratulates newly elected and returning leaders at every level of government.

With every new Congress comes a renewed opportunity to come together around something that should unite us all: our children’s well-being.

At FoodCorps, we believe that every child deserves access to nourishing food and the opportunity to receive meaningful food education. Creating that possibility is a shared responsibility that transcends political affiliation. It is a commitment that brings together families, educators, farmers, and communities across the country.

As new leaders prepare to take office, we have the hope of welcoming a new generation of champions who recognize that investing in school meals and food education is necessary for our children’s futures.

An Opportunity to Nourish the Next Generation

Every day, millions of children across the country benefit from school meals that provide essential nourishment and help fuel their ability to learn, grow, and thrive. Behind those meals are dedicated school nutrition professionals who work tirelessly to ensure students have access to the food they need to succeed. For many children, school meals are a vital source of daily nutrition and an important part of their overall health and well-being.

And nourishing children extends beyond the cafeteria.

Imagine a future where, in every school in the nation, children not only enjoy fresh, nourishing meals but also understand where their food comes from. Where students grow vegetables in school gardens, explore new ingredients through hands-on cooking lessons, and discover the connection between food, health, and their communities.

This is what becomes possible when we invest in school meals and food education together.

Looking Ahead to the 120th Congress

As we prepare for the next Congress, FoodCorps looks forward to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to advance a shared vision for healthier children and stronger school communities.

Our priorities remain clear:

1. Expand access to nourishing school meals. Create new and support current policies that help ensure every child has access to nutritious, appealing meals that fuel their growth and learning, regardless of their family’s circumstances.
2. Make hands-on food education part of every child’s learning experience. Create more opportunities for students to grow, cook, taste, and explore food through meaningful educational experiences that build lifelong knowledge and healthy habits.
3. Invest in strong school food systems. Support modern school kitchens, school nutrition professionals, and connections with local farmers and producers so schools have the resources to prepare and serve delicious, nourishing meals with fresh, local ingredients. Sustained federal investment is essential to helping schools build the infrastructure and capacity needed to make these improvements possible.

These priorities are not new, but every new election cycle allows us to build upon the progress already made while inviting more leaders into this important work.

In the months ahead, FoodCorps will intentionally engage both newly elected and returning members of Congress, establishing new relationships and strengthening existing partnerships across the country and party lines. We will also continue working with the administration and federal agencies to advance policies that support nourishing school meals and hands-on food education. Our commitment to policy and advocacy is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to be healthy, nourished, and ready to learn.

The faces in Congress may change, but our commitment to children remains the same.

An Invitation to Lead Together

To every newly elected and returning member of Congress, our invitation is simple: Come see what investing in children looks like.

Visit a school cafeteria. Spend time in a school garden. Meet the dedicated nutrition professionals who prepare meals for students each day. Watch a child discover the joy of tasting something they helped grow.

Because some of the most important lessons about our children’s futures aren’t found in the halls of Congress. They’re found in the schools and communities you were elected to serve.

FoodCorps welcomes the opportunity to connect with congressional offices, share insights from the communities we serve, and work together to advance policies that make food education accessible to more children.

To our supporters, we encourage you to continue sharing your experiences with elected officials and reminding them why school meals and food education matter in your communities. A new Congress brings new voices and new relationships, creating pathways to make a lasting impact.

Because no matter who represents us in Washington, our children deserve more than promises. They deserve action, investment, and a future full of possibility. The true measure of the 120th Congress will be the future it helps solidify for our children.

For more updates on policies that affect child well-being, sign up for FoodCorps emails.