Millions of Americans face hunger and food insecurity, and some of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States today are diet-related diseases. These are unequal crises: Black, Hispanic, rural, and other underserved populations face higher rates of food insecurity and lack access to healthy food. I want to make sure that every American has enough healthy and nutritious food, which is why I secured funding for the White House to convene a conference to create a national strategy to improve nutrition security, reduce diet-related illnesses, and end hunger, which will be held in September 2022. 

The first White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, and Health, held in 1969, was a transformative event that was the catalyst for sweeping changes in the country’s food policy and led to huge reductions in hunger and malnutrition. This year’s conference is an opportunity for our generation to comprehensively tackle the crises of hunger and nutrition insecurity. 

Senator Cory Booker and Speaker Craig Coughlin will be hosting a Listening Session to hear from NJ stakeholders in advance of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. In-person audience seating is available, and the event will also be viewable virtually via livestream. In order to attend virtually OR in-person, please register here.

In advance of this conference, the Biden-Harris administration is soliciting feedback from stakeholders on solutions to these challenges. You can view the letter sent to the White House featuring public comments here.

It is important that the White House hears from a diverse range of stakeholders, including direct service providers, anti-hunger advocates, medical professionals, and people who have personally experienced the impact of hunger, food insecurity, or diseases like hypertension, Type II diabetes, and heart disease. 

You can find more information on the White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, and Health and also submit your comments directly to the White House here. 

For questions or to speak with a member of my staff, please email nutrition@booker.senate.gov or call (973) 639-8700.