The Policy Brief, Fall 2024: After the Election
A Measurable Difference
FoodCorps programming directly improves the lives of students across the country and works to affect systems change at every level, from local schools to federal policy.
Our Impact
FoodCorps’ work is making a difference in kids’ relationship with food. Learn more about our corps, who we reach, and the impact we make every day.
Who we serve
2022-2023 school year
%
of FoodCorps students, on average, are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, relative to 53% nationwide%
of FoodCorps students identify as BIPOC, relative to 55% nationwide
237
schools served
353,177
students reached through direct service
FoodCorps AmeriCorps Service Member Dainese Pridgeon adds a scoop of veggies to a student’s plate. (Cedar Rapids, IA)
Reaching Students, Feeding Communities
Strong relationships are a cornerstone of FoodCorps service. Five years of FoodCorps support in Iowa helped service member Dainese Pridgeon step into her role in 2018. So when schools closed in March 2020, she had the trust that was needed to immediately begin helping cafeteria staff cook and bag meals for Cedar Rapids families five days a week. Dainese credits those who came before her: “It makes me so grateful to the first FoodCorps members, who let me do what I was doing.”
Our service members
2022-2023 school year
%
of service members identify as BIPOC
%
of service members are serving in their local communities
*We are working to ensure that service members reflect the communities they serve. See our EDI report for how we are working toward this goal.
78%
of service member alumni continue to make an impact through careers in policy, education, and public health
Impact on schools, students, and the school food system
Of the 237 schools we serve in 2022-2023:
28,266
lessons taught
&
2,629
food tastings led by service members
%
received taste tests of new foods
%
received support for a school garden
Collaborating for Policy Change
When FoodCorps arrived in Connecticut in 2012, conversations with other organizations sparked an interest in getting farm to school — or healthy, local foods served directly to students — off the ground. A few years later, through partnerships with state agencies, anti-hunger groups, and food systems organizations, the Connecticut Farm to School Collaborative was born. Members met with legislative champions and shared stories about the impact of farm to school, eventually testifying before the Education Committee. In 2021, their work paid off. The CT Grown for CT Kids program launched with $500,000 of federal funding, helping to ensure Connecticut kids eat more fresh, local foods.
Impactful stories
AAMA Conference: Celebrating Black Leaders in Food
FoodCorps partnered with Black mayors around the country for justice and joy.
Read more
White House Announces $1.7 Billion in New Commitments to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities
The administration celebrated one year of its ambitious campaign promoting food, nutrition, and health.
Read more
Celebrating Black Food Stories at “The Joy and Power of Food: A Salon”
Our all-star panelists discussed the joy and power of food through the Black experience.
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Cultivating Change and Connection: Reflecting on the FOLCS Kindred Gathering
“There are folks who think and dream like me in school nutrition.”
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FoodCorps Director Morgan McGhee Announced as Part of Inaugural Obama Foundation United States Leaders
Morgan was selected for her desire to change perceptions of school food by collaborating with values-aligned partners.
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How FoodCorps Members Support Kids’ Mental Health
From mindfulness in the garden to plant part yoga.
Read more