School meals

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) ensures daily access to nutritious meals for all students. We work with all school districts to create programs aimed at increasing school meal participation. We also advocate for expansion of the program by promoting Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). CEP allows high- poverty schools to offer both breakfast and lunch at no cost to all students, thus eliminating the traditional school meal application process for schools. In addition to the work, we do with NSLP we also help ensure that students have access to meals after the bell. We work with community organizations to help establish after school and summer meal sites.  Over the years we have also, facilitated Farm to School Projects that help bring agriculture to the classroom.

Community Engagement/ Outreach

Florida Impact believes in the importance of staying connected to the community. We have established the Florida Food Security Project. This initiative combats food insecurity through resource accessibility, nutrition education, cooking classes and Garden projects. We have also established the Healthy Corner Store Initiative that encourages the sale of fruits and vegetables in underserved communities. In addition we have implemented Florida Food Access Work Groups to help bring health access organizations ( such as community centers and food banks) together to combat food insecurity in areas of need.

Youth Advocacy

GEMS (Getting Empowered Matters ) is an innovative youth leadership program that is aimed at equipping youth in low-income communities with tools and resources that mitigate barriers associated with hunger, access, and opportunity. Youth learn about advocacy, food systems, food justice, career development, as well as other topics. GEMS students participate in important peer led discussions and activities about the strengths and weaknesses in their community and how they can find solutions to issues such as –food insecurity, access to fresh produce, community gardens, nutrition education and awareness.

Federal Nutrition Programs

95 % of the food for our nation’s hungry comes from Federal Nutrition Programs such as SNAP, WIC and NSLP. At Florida Impact to end Hunger, we understand the importance of the expansion of those programs. We host listening sessions and focus groups to determine the reach of SNAP, WIC and the NSLP. We also inform community members and organizations about changes in policy. For many years, in partnership with organizations across the state, we’ve organized community members around advocacy efforts year-round with a special emphasis on Children’s week. We advocate for the expansion of Federal Nutrition Programs to increase its impact. Through outreach we increase access to these programs and educate the public on the full extent of their benefits in Florida.