City of Providence Receives $45,000 Grant to Combat Childhood Hunger

PROVIDENCE, RI – The City of Providence has been selected by the National League of Cities (NLC) as one of 15 communities that will receive a $45,000 grant and technical assistance as part of a national initiative to reduce childhood hunger.

Through the Cities Combating Child Hunger through Afterschool and Summer Meal Programs (CHAMPS) initiative, Providence’s Healthy Communities Office will receive the $45,000 grant and guidance as the city works to increase children’s participation in the federal Afterschool Meal Program and Summer Food Service program.

As part of a multi-year effort to reduce childhood hunger supported by the Walmart Foundation, NLC’s Institute for Youth, Education and Families is coordinating the CHAMPS initiative in partnership with the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC).

“Children need access to nutritious meals throughout the year,” said Mayor Angel Taveras. “This grant will help support community food security and ensure our children are ready to learn.”

The grant will support a collaborative effort between the city’s Healthy Communities Office, Providence Public School District, Providence Parks Department, Partnership for Providence Parks, Rhode Island Community Food Bank, and the Rhode Island Department of Education. Grant activities will focus on increased play and nutrition education opportunities at meal program sites, as well as development of community partnerships to increase awareness and promotion of the meal programs.

Other cities selected to receive assistance through the CHAMPS initiative include: Baltimore; Columbus, Ohio; Gary, Ind.; Hagerstown, Md.; Houston; Kansas City, Kan.; Louisville, Ky.; Missoula, Mont.; Rochester, N.Y.; Seattle; Tacoma, Wash.; Tallahassee, Fla.; Trotwood, Ohio; and Waco, Texas.

NLC and FRAC will provide cities like Providence with customized assistance, access to best practices and national experts, and opportunities for peer learning, as they develop new meal programs, increase children’s participation, and help cities establish a coordinated system of year-round efforts to food children from low-income families. Emphasis will be placed on cross-system collaboration among city agencies, school districts and local anti-hunger groups.

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