Food Research & Action Center

Food Research & Action Center
Name	Food Research & Action Center
Formation	1970
Location	Washington, D.C.
Key people	Joel Berg, Jim Weill

Food Research & Action Center. The Food Research & Action Center is a leading non-governmental organization in the United States that focuses on issues related to hunger, poverty, and nutrition. It works closely with organizations such as the National Education Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Feeding America to address these issues. The center's work is informed by research from institutions like the National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Agriculture, and Harvard University.

Introduction

The Food Research & Action Center is a key player in the anti-hunger movement in the United States, working with organizations like the Food Bank for New York City, Share Our Strength, and the National Coalition for the Homeless. Its efforts are supported by philanthropic organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The center's staff, including experts like Mariana Chilton and Janet Poppendieck, have written extensively on topics related to food insecurity and public health for publications like the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Journal of Public Health. The center also collaborates with government agencies like the United States Department of Health and Human Services, United States Department of Education, and United States Department of Labor.

History

The Food Research & Action Center was founded in 1970 by a group of social activists, including Frances Moore Lappé and George McGovern, who were concerned about the issue of hunger in America. The center's early work was influenced by the National Committee on Hunger, the Field Foundation, and the President's Commission on Hunger. Over the years, the center has worked with numerous elected officials, including Ted Kennedy, Robert Dole, and Nancy Pelosi, to advocate for policies that address food insecurity and poverty. The center has also partnered with organizations like the National Association of Social Workers, American Public Health Association, and National Council of La Raza to advance its mission.

Mission_and_Objectives

The Food Research & Action Center's mission is to improve the nutrition, health, and well-being of low-income individuals and families in the United States. The center's objectives include increasing access to healthy food, improving nutrition education, and advocating for policies that address the root causes of hunger and poverty. To achieve these objectives, the center works with organizations like the National Farm to School Network, School Nutrition Association, and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The center also collaborates with research institutions like the University of California, Berkeley, Johns Hopkins University, and Tufts University to inform its policy and program work.

Programs_and_Initiatives

The Food Research & Action Center has a range of programs and initiatives that aim to address food insecurity and poverty. These include the National School Lunch Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The center also works on initiatives like the Farm to School program, Summer Food Service Program, and Child and Adult Care Food Program. Additionally, the center provides technical assistance and training to organizations like the National Association of Counties, United States Conference of Mayors, and National League of Cities. The center's work is supported by foundations like the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Annie E. Casey Foundation, and David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

Research_and_Policy

The Food Research & Action Center conducts research and analysis on issues related to hunger, poverty, and nutrition. The center's research informs its policy work, which includes advocating for legislation like the Farm Bill, Child Nutrition Act, and SNAP Reauthorization. The center also works with think tanks like the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Urban Institute, and Brookings Institution to analyze the impact of policies on low-income families. The center's research has been published in journals like the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, Public Health Nutrition, and Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The center's policy work is also informed by research from institutions like the National Bureau of Economic Research, Congressional Budget Office, and Government Accountability Office.

Impact_and_Achievements

The Food Research & Action Center has had a significant impact on the lives of low-income individuals and families in the United States. The center's advocacy efforts have helped to increase funding for programs like SNAP and WIC, and have improved access to healthy food for millions of people. The center's research and policy work have also informed the development of legislation like the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act and the Agriculture Act of 2014. The center's work has been recognized by organizations like the National Association of Social Workers, American Public Health Association, and National Council of La Raza. The center has also received awards from foundations like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and W.K. Kellogg Foundation for its work on issues related to hunger and poverty. The center's impact is also reflected in its partnerships with organizations like the National Education Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Feeding America.

Category:Food security