First Focus on Children sent this letter signed by 27 additional organizations to President Biden and Ambassador Susan Rice to thank them for their leadership in convening a White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.

Excerpt from the letter:

We believe it is essential that the conference not only include experts in child health and development, but also anchor its work in how poor nutrition and hunger impact American children throughout their lifetime. Addressing the acute and long-term impact for children facing food and nutrition insecurity is a national priority. Properly nourished children more actively participate in the education experience and can better focus and retain information. Additionally, children who eat poorly can suffer not only from diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay, but can also face a lifetime of challenges caused by inadequate access to proper nutrition, including behavioral problems, depression, and numerous chronic conditions from cardiovascular disease to cancer and osteoporosis. Moreover, lack of access to appropriate nutrition can exacerbate the multitude of health challenges facing children with serious and chronic medical conditions.

Read the full letter.