Congressional Hunger Center

July 2009 Vol. 6, No. 1 The Congressional Hunger Center Newsletter

CHC Pays Tribute to Mickey Leland

HC honored the fleeing from conflict in and in the United States. Next, with The Mickey Leland Cmemory of former Sudan. Congressional staff the legendary civil rights Hunger Leader Award by CHC Representative Mickey members, State Department leader, Representative John Founder, Ambassador Tony Leland at the beautiful U.S. officials, USAID and Peace Lewis, delivered a moving P. Hall; and Botanic Garden, on May 19, Corps personnel and tribute speech honoring l Senator Thad 2009. Representative Leland Ethiopian nationals were with Mickey Leland. Cochran was presented with was a Member of the U.S. him on the flight that day. We then proudly honored The Mickey Leland Hunger House of Representatives from At the event, CHC’s 275 four outstanding national Leader Award by CHC board Houston, Texas. During six guests included Members leaders who have dedicated co-chair, Representative terms in the Congress and five of Congress, senior officials their lives and their work to James P. McGovern. years as a Texas state legislator from the U.S. Department fighting hunger and poverty Alison Leland joined us and Democratic Party offi- of Agriculture, and corpo- in the U.S. and across the that evening from Houston, cial he successfully brought rate and nonprofit leaders, globe: Texas. Staff from the former attention to human rights as well as current Emerson House Select Committee issues and rallied support that and Leland Hunger Fellows on Hunger were present, resulted in both public and and alumni, and CHC board including Marty Rendon, private action. Together with members and staff. Patricia Johnson, Ray Representative Benjamin Master of Ceremonies, Boshara, and Marty LaVor. Gilman, Leland founded the CHC executive director A highlight of the evening House Select Committee on Edward M. Cooney, wel- was a videotaped message Hunger in 1984. comed the guests and paid from Chris Matthews of tribute to the Emerson and MSNBC/Hardball. Matthews Leland Fellows and alumni Odom Sonny (Left to Right) Mickey Leland now serving throughout the International Hunger Fellow Adam United States and in over 20 Norikanel Representative Donald M. countries around the world. Payne; Representative Sheila Jackson Dr. Kathleen Merrigan, Lee; Alison Leland; Bill Emerson the USDA Deputy Secretary National Hunger Fellows Veronica of Agriculture, gave a special Conti and Sarah Custer address about hunger overseas Sonny Odom Sonny l Representative

(Left to Right) Bill Emerson National Odom Sonny Donald Payne was pre- Hunger Fellow Ayanna Williams; (Left to Right) Deputy Director Representative Jo Ann Emerson; sented with The Mickey Margaret Zeigler; Hunter Moorhead of Senator Herb Kohl and Jon Janowski of Leland Hunger Leader Award the Office of Senator Thad Cochran, Hunger Task Force in Milwaukee by CHC board member, and Representative Jim McGovern Representative Sheila August 7, 2009 marks the Jackson Lee; traveled with Mickey Leland 20th anniversary of the tragic l Senator Herb Kohl on one of his humanitarian plane crash that occurred was presented with The missions to Africa in the Sonny Odom Sonny during a famine mission Mickey Leland Hunger Leader (Left to Right) Deputy Director 1980’s, and his videotaped in Ethiopia. Leland was on Margaret Zeigler; Ambassador Tony Award by CHC board co-chair, message at the event vividly the plane and was lead- Hall; Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr.; Bill Representative Jo Ann captured their experiences ing a mission to a refugee Emerson National Hunger Fellow Nikki Emerson; as they encountered hungry camp, which sheltered Mosuro and Mickey Leland International l Senator Robert P. refugees, militant warlords, thousands of civilians Hunger Fellow Meaghan Murphy Casey, Jr. was presented continued on page 3

Fighting Hunger by Developing Leaders Greetings from the Executive Director

By Edward M. Cooney

n July 22nd, we proudly Kathleen Merrigan Stamp) program in the I have been an active mem- Ocelebrated the 15th class greeted our guests and the economic stimulus legisla- ber of the Community Food of Emerson National Hunger USDA Food, Nutrition, tion. We also highlighted Security board of directors. Fellows at their commence- and Consumer Service the importance of including The board is nearing comple- ment ceremony, held at the Deputy Under Secretary funding for expansion and tion of its strategic plan for Phoenix Park Hotel. Senator Janey Thornton and improvements for child nutri- the next five years. Some of Robert P. Casey, Jr. of USDA Food and Nutrition tion in the President’s 2010 the key policy objectives that Pennsylvania joined members Service Administrator budget. We are very pleased we will address are expanding of the “Witnesses to Hunger Julie Paradis were in that the President accepted direct participation of farmers Project” from Philadelphia in attendance. John Kelly, the recommendations of and farm products to supply celebrating the success of the Director of Faith Based and CHC and other National school lunch programs (Farm Emerson Fellows that eve- Community Initiatives Anti Hunger Organizations to School) and expanding the ning. Our 4th class of Leland Office at the Corporation for (NAHO) regarding these legis- availability and use of locally International Hunger Fellows National and Community lative priorities. grown foods for the commu- completed their two year Service, and Max Finberg, CHC has worked along- nity as a whole. fellowship in June. We will Director of Faith Based and side members of the Child CHC proudly welcomes have 35 new Emerson/Leland Neighborhood Partnerships Nutrition Forum on the two new board members! Fellows in 2009/2010 working Office at USDA, were in 2009 Child Nutrition Kimberly Perry, Kid’s on five continents in 16 coun- the audience as well. Both Reauthorization. We have met Movement Director of the tries and in 10 U.S. States. John and Max were former with the key White House Clinton Foundation’s Alliance There were 540 applicants for Directors of CHC’s National staff on the Domestic Policy for a Healthier Generation, these 35 fellowships. Hunger Fellowship program. Council and the Office of and Alejandra Lopez- Several new U.S. CHC has been actively Management and Budget to Fernandini of the New Department of Agriculture engaging with the Obama express our views on how to America Foundation, com- staff helped CHC celebrate Administration on a number improve access to and the menced their board service in the life and legacy of former of food security initiatives. nutritional quality of meals June, 2009. We look forward U.S. Representative Mickey We met with the Agriculture served to children in school, to working closely with them Leland at the U.S. Botanic Transition Team regarding after school, in the summer in the coming years as we Garden on May 19th. the need to include increased and in pre-school child care ‘fight hunger by developing USDA Deputy Secretary funding for the SNAP (Food programs. leaders.’ l

CHC hosts lunch for Witnesses to Hunger Participants and Emerson Fellows Forty mothers. Forty cam- Drexel University School of then recorded. By using exhibit, shared lunch with eras. One purpose: to end Public Health, acknowledges this technique, known as the Witnesses and project child hunger. “Witnesses to that policies and programs are “Photovoice,” the project has staff, and left inspired by Hunger” is a project featuring often created without par- given the women a voice with their accomplishments and photographs of Philadelphia ticipation by people who are a message that is now being goals. CHC is honored to have women who are working to most affected. Who better to heard. Senator Robert hosted this lunch, and we create better lives for their speak on poverty and mater- P. Casey, Jr. invited the look forward to the continued children. On Thursday May 7, nal and child health than Witnesses to Hunger Exhibit success of the Witnesses to these powerful Philadelphia mothers of young children? and participants to Capitol Hunger project. To learn mothers joined Emerson fel- Each participant was given Hill. From May 4-8, the Russell more about the project and lows and CHC staff in our a digital camera, and asked Rotunda featured the compel- view the photos, visit: www. office for lunch and conversa- to take pictures of what ling pictures and stories of witnessestohunger.org l tion. The project, begun by poverty and hunger meant these strong women. CHC Dr. Mariana Chilton of the to them. Their stories were staff and fellows viewed the

2 Sustenance ˙ July 2009 Tribute to Mickey Leland continued from page 1 and abandoned children in Sudan and Ethiopia. Corporate, foundation, and individual contributions for the Tribute event totaled over $300,000 to benefit our Odom Sonny Representative Sheila Jackson Lee and Mickey Leland International Alesha Black with the Bill & Melinda Hunger Fellows and our Bill Gates Foundation. Emerson National Hunger Fellows. A special thank you to all of our contributors who Bunge North America, Inc. made this event possible! Friends of the World Food Program Harvester ($25,000) Grocery Manufacturers Mickey Leland’s Life and American Airlines, Inc. Association Bill & Melinda Gates International Dairy Foods Legacy Tribute Evening Foundation Association General Mills Foundation International Fund for Kraft Foods On Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 the Congressional Hunger Agricultural Development Monsanto Company Center (CHC) paid tribute to Mickey Leland, former (IFAD) Representative from Houston, Texas, with a reception at Sodexo Inc./Sodexo Roll Call the U.S. Botanic Garden. Mickey Leland and 15 other Foundation Service Employees humanitarians lost their lives in a tragic plane crash on August Wal-Mart 7, 1989 during a famine mission to Ethiopia. His dedication International Union (SEIU) to the fi ght against hunger serves as an inspiration and as a Cultivator ($15,000) Share Our Strength foundation for CHC’s anti-hunger work. Land O’Lakes Snack Food Association At the event we recognized the following individuals for their Victory Wholesale Group important contributions to the fi ght against hunger: Sower ($10,000) Representative Donald M. Payne Archer Daniels Midland NonprofitS ponsor Company ($1,000) Senator Herb Kohl Feed the Children 3M Senator Thad Cochran Feeding America Bread for the World Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. Mars, Inc. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Representative John Lewis graciously shared a memorial National Dairy Council Food Marketing Institute tribute to Mickey Leland at the event Food Research and Action Plower ($5,000) Thank you to the following sponsors who Center (FRAC) Darden Restaurants made this event possible! Heifer International Yum! Brands, Inc. MAZON: A Jewish Response W.K. Kellogg Foundation to End Hunger Friend of the North American Millers’ Center ($2,500) Association American Beverage Students Team Up to Fight Association Hunger AT&T USTelecom l

During 2008, CHC applied for and has now received a $250,000 grant from the ConAgra Foods Foundation for the CHILD Project. CHILD is the Child Hunger Initiative on Learning and Development. This initiative will fund the field and policy placements of four Emerson National Hunger Fellows. The Emerson Fellows will focus on increasing access to and improving the nutritional quality of foods provided in federal child nutrition programs. We would like to thank The Congressional Huger Center is a nonprofi t, bipartisan, anti-hunger Feeding America and Share Our Strength (SOS) for their leadership development organization located in Washington, DC. support on this initiative. www.hungercenter.org

Sustenance ˙ July 2009 3 Emerson National Hunger Fellows Program Report

By Aileen Carr

Special Report: Emerson Program Anti-Racism Initiatives

he Emerson Program has critical for Emerson Hunger Field and Policy Sites Tbeen steadily working for Fellows to be effective in The focus of our the last 6 years to incorporate their field and policy place- field site recruiting an anti-racist approach to all ments. It is also important to efforts has shifted to aspects of our work. What address issues of racism and building relationships began with an effort to have other manifestations of social with organizations in more racially and economi- inequality, including classism urban areas with high cally diverse classes of fellows and homophobia, within the rates of hunger and has evolved over the years community of Fellows. The poverty in communi- into what is now a strong Fellows themselves are such ties of color, including programmatic commitment a diverse group of young New Orleans, New to anti-racism. This commit- leaders that we must provide York City, Chicago, Boston, National Council of La Raza, ment is also the foundation space to explore how issues Los Angeles, and Oakland. and Migrant Legal Action for our current and future of oppression impact each We have also increased the Program. We also encour- work to establish a broader Fellow and the class as a number of field and policy age field and policy sites to anti-oppression framework whole in order to build the projects specifically focused address issues of oppression including other forms of strong learning community on the intersections between internally and within the oppression, such as sexism, that has become the hallmark poverty, race and inequality. communities in which they classism, and homophobia. of the Emerson Program. Examples from the 15th Class work, and provide techni- of Emerson Fellows include: cal assistance and resources Anti-racism is “the practice How? l Michael Richardson’s on anti-racism. Some of our of identifying, challenging, Over the last 5 years, policy work at RESULTS, strategies as we work with preventing, eliminating, and the Emerson program has where he is working to recruit partners have included: changing the values, struc- examined all components more volunteer groups in l Changing field and tures, policies, programs, of the program, including communities of color around policy site applications in practices, and behaviors recruitment and selection of the country and organize order to gain more informa- that perpetuate racism.1” Fellows and field and policy a day-long diversity train- tion about how organizations sites, the training curriculum, ing at the RESULTS annual applying to host fellows Fellow advising, and program conference. address racism and other Why? administration, to deter- l Sarah Custer’s work forms of oppression in their The Emerson Program mine where we could make to address racial health dis- work. is very intentional about changes that would ensure parities in New Orleans by l Redesigning orientation addressing the root causes of that the Emerson Program working to increase access to meetings with field and pol- hunger and poverty, includ- is 1) addressing hunger and healthy food in communities icy site supervisors to include ing eradicating social oppres- poverty in communities of of color. discussions of the importance sion in all forms. Oppression color in a thoughtful, effec- l Nico Quintana’s report of openly challenging racism, and inequality permeate tive way, and 2) providing on how discrimination and sexism, homophobia and all parts of our society and young leaders of any race, injustice against lesbian, gay, other forms of discrimina- we must commit all we can class, ethnicity, gender and bisexual and transgender tion, and shared best practices to eliminating it if we are sexual orientation a place to people impacts poverty for doing so. to ever be truly successful learn, thrive, and contribute. rates in those communities l Recruiting sites with in creating a just, hunger In order to reflect this com- at the policy site Center for people of color in leadership and poverty-free society. mitment, we needed to make American Progress. positions and ensuring that Therefore, cultivating an significant changes to how The Emerson program Fellows work with supervisors understanding of both the we work with fellows, field has established new part- of color. history and current manifes- and policy sites, and internal nerships with policy site tations of racial oppression is program systems. Below we organizations focusing on Fellows highlight select program racial justice and poverty, The Emerson Program has 1 Source: Strategic Framework for Action, British Columbia Multicultural changes that are moving us including the Joint Center on also made some changes to Advisory Council toward our anti-racism goals. Economic and Policy Studies, fellow training, selection, and

4 Sustenance ˙ July 2009 recruitment. We have devel- share the Emerson Program So What? We have provided the space oped an intensive anti-racism commitment to anti-racism The Emerson Program for Emerson Fellows—the curriculum and integrated and the implementation of a commitment to anti-racism emerging leaders in anti- it into all program training new recruiting plan designed has had a tremendous impact hunger and anti-poverty components—including field to increase the number of on the program so far. Half work—to explore these training, program retreat, people of color who apply for or more of the fellows in each challenging issues together policy training, and profes- the Emerson program. of the last 3 classes are people and begin developing ways sional development days— of color and we had the most to address oppression in and begun to expand that Program Administration racially diverse applicant their lives and in their cur- framework to include other A final critical area of pool in the history of the rent and future anti-hunger forms of oppression, includ- change is that of how we Congressional Hunger Center and anti-poverty work. ing sexism, classism, and administer the program. for this year’s incoming class. homophobia. The views and The program staff team has We have supported field and voices of people who have increased its class, race and policy sites working alongside What next? experienced poverty them- gender diversity. Fellowship communities of color to end The Emerson Program selves are incorporated into advisors are required to have hunger and poverty and we will continue to deepen our training sessions on hunger a commitment to anti-racism have encouraged those orga- work around anti-racism and and poverty in the U.S. and and experience dealing with nizations that do great work incorporate more fully other a series of new training ses- oppression issues so that they in communities all over the forms of oppression into the sions exploring identity, can be helpful partners with U.S. but that may not fully work of the program, includ- privilege, and oppression are fellows as they work toward share our views on anti- ing sexism, classism, and woven throughout the year their anti-oppression goals racism to explore these issues homophobia. To learn more of training. We also provide throughout the fellowship and find common ground. As about these efforts, please space for fellows to develop year and beyond. Finally, to part of our work to address call Aileen Carr, Shana their own anti-oppression address class disparities, the class issues, we have also sig- McDavis-Conway, Dara goals and encourage their living stipend has increased nificantly increased the num- Cooper, or Jon Wogman at ongoing intentional analysis to a more reasonable level so ber of fellows with personal 202-547-7022. l of race and racism in all areas that Fellows with personal experience with poverty. of training. Other changes experience with poverty are include the selection of more likely to apply and/or be Fellows and host sites who able to participate. 15th Class Engages In Anti-Hunger and Anti-Poverty Policy Work

his year, Emerson Fellows implementation of major Tare working in policy sites changes to the SNAP (food on a broad range of issues: stamps) program, studying promoting child nutrition SNAP’s role in reducing diet and farm to school programs, related diseases, and analyz- supporting migrant farm ing health care reform pro- workers’ rights, preventing posals. The Fellows’ energy hate crimes against homeless and hard work have made individuals, and research- a real impact on their host Above: Senator George ing ex-offenders’ access organizations, and their McGovern and 15th class to public benefits. Fellows supervisors are supporting National Hunger Fellows are also actively educating and mentoring the Fellows as at FRAC Dinner Members of Congress about they learn about the role of specific hunger and poverty federal policy in promoting Left: Stephany Whitaker, issues, exploring how asset social justice. For more infor- Emerson Hunger Fellow building strategies can con- mation on the 15th Class, at the Clagett Farm for a tribute to economic recovery, please see their web profiles professional development day engaging youth groups and at http://www.hungercenter. training faith communities in anti- org/national/fellowsprofiles. hunger policy, monitoring htm. l

Sustenance ˙ July 2009 5 Leland International Hunger Fellows Program Report

By Leland Program Staff

Farewell to the 4th Class

une 30th marked the final United Nations Development Jday of the fellowship Program (UNDP). His con- program for the 4th Class of tribution to the Network Mickey Leland International led to the submission of Hunger Fellows. The breadth numerous discussion papers and depth of their accom- focusing on climate change plishments is a testament to adaptation and mitigation their hard work and dedica- in drylands Africa. As the tion signaling a bright future Pastoralist Systems Advisor for this talented group of with Land O’Lakes, Carmen young professionals. The Jaquez traveled frequently to following highlights provide Rwanda to advise on a dairy a glimpse into the range of development and PEPFAR responsibilities and achieve- (President’s Emergency Plan Leland Fellows Adam Norikane, Anne Claire Hervy and Alexis Jones at the ments undertaken by Fellows for AIDS Relief) livelihoods AIARD Annual Conference where Anne Claire was awarded the 2009 Young during their policy year. Best program. Carmen was active Professional Award wishes to the 4th Class of with the global livestock Leland Fellows and congratu- development community in to improve markets for rural Adam Norikane produced lations on a job well done! Washington, DC, helping cre- producers in Senegal, Uganda, a training manual for ACDI/ Kurt Burja worked in ate a framework illustrating and Zambia. VOCA entitled “Community the Health and Nutrition the importance of livestock Daniele Nyirandutiye Forestry as Business” which Unit for the World Food in development and how conducted a systematic review provides a curriculum for Program (WFP) Cambodia its application can lead to a of the treatment of acute development practitioners assisting in the manage- way out of poverty. Meagan malnutrition in children to train rural farmers on the ment and monitoring of Keefe’s research at IFPRI between 6-59 months of age business of non-timber for- food assistance implementa- (International Food Policy in Mali while working with est products. Eric Haglund tion to three health and Research Institute) is aimed Helen Keller International. worked in Niger with ICRISAT nutrition programs. Kurt at informing policymakers in The results of the evalu- (International Crop Research led efforts to identify and order for them to create poli- ation were used by the Institute for the Semi-Arid recommend potential food cies that will improve the live- Ministry of Health in Mali Tropics) studying the social fortification initiatives that lihoods of rural households and its nutrition partners and economic impacts of WFP Cambodia will apply in Latin America. Meagan’s to promote and expand agroforestry systems. His to their programs. Ira work focused on a range of mass screening for acute research findings aim to Frydman spent the year issues including the impacts malnutrition throughout the increase agricultural produc- in Kenya managing The of increased global food prices country. Alder Keleman tivity of rural Nigerian farm- African Drought Risk and on the poor in Latin America worked with FAO (Food and ers. Anne-Claire Hervy Development Network for the and a study evaluating ways Agriculture Organization) worked with the Africa-US in Rome researching the Higher Education Initiative relationship between maize to strengthen partnerships biodiversity, agricultural between Africa and U.S. Country Policy Study in policy, and markets in education institutions. Mexico. In addition to writ- In June Anne-Claire was Guatemala ing six peer reviewed articles, awarded the AIARD Young In March 2009, the 4th Class of Mickey Leland Fellows con- Alder contributed to several Professional Award which ducted a ten day Country Policy Study (CPS) in Guatemala. chapters for a book based on recognizes early career con- Please refer to the enclosed insert for an account of trip activi- a 5-country research project tributions to international ties including information on the participating organizations on the role of seed markets in agriculture and rural devel- and speakers who helped make the CPS a huge success. providing farmers with access opment. Congratulations to crop genetic material. Anne-Claire! l

6 Sustenance ˙ July 2009 Announcing the 5th Class of International Hunger Fellows!

he Congressional Hunger On July 16th the 15 Fellows training, the Fellows depart organizations for the first year TCenter warmly welcomes will meet for the first time in for their respective interna- of the fellowship program. the 5th Class of Leland Washington DC for a ten day tional field sites where they Congratulations 5th Class International Hunger Fellows! pre-field training. Following will work with their host and Welcome! l

Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows Program Class of 2009-2011

Name Graduate School Organization Field Site

Africa

Kerri Agee University of Maryland, MSW/MPH Catholic Relief Services Mopti, Mali

Blake Audsley Johns Hopkins University (SAIS), MA World Food Programme Lilongwe, Malawi

Lindsay Dozoretz American University, MA Save the Children Nampula, Mozambique

Susan Ilyin Columbia University, MSW Land O’Lakes Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Sonia Lee Yale University, MPH Action Group for Health, Human Rights, Kampala, Uganda and HIV/AIDS (AGHA) and Physicians for Human Rights

Steven Myers University of Washington, MPA Ikamva Labantu and the National Alliance Cape Town, South Africa of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), overseen by ANSA

Emily Wei Duke University, MPP Fordham CARE International Lilongwe, Malawi University, JD

Asia

Curan Bonham University of Montana, MS Bioversity International New Delhi, India

Erica Holzaepfel Tufts University (Friedman and World Food Programme and USDA Foreign Vientiane, Laos Fletcher), MS and MA Agricultural Service

Tiffany Imes Tulane University, MPH World Bank Dhaka, Bangladesh

Gabriela Prudencio George Mason University, MA Mercy Corps Jakarta, Indonesia

Jillian Waid Washington University in St. Louis, Helen Keller International Dhaka, Bangladesh MSW

Latin America

Maielle Helman American University, MA World Food Programme La Paz, Bolivia

Amy Margolies Tufts University (Fletcher), MA National Foundation for Education and Brasilia, Brazil Development (NFED) and the Global Child Nutrition Forum (GCNF)

Carlos Centeno University of Kansas, MA World Food Programme Guatemala City, Guatemala

Sustenance ˙ July 2009 7 Leland Alumni Updates

fter finishing his MBA forestry projects and to International Development Ain December at IE arrest and reverse deforesta- (USAID). In her first assign- Business School in Madrid, tion which accounts for 20 ment, Elizabeth was a Field 3rd class alumnus Andy percent of greenhouse gas Officer on a Provincial Miller returned to Berkeley, emissions. Foresta’s projects Reconstruction Team (PRT) California where he serves consist of mixed landscapes in southwestern Afghanistan as managing director and of commercial timber stands where she served as a founder of Foresta Capital, and ecological corridors to be development liaison to the an ongoing project through- returned to natural forest. The U.S. military under NATO- out business school. The projects will be fully certified ISAF command. Currently, company will address both as sustainable and will also Elizabeth works as an environmental issues and generate carbon offsets for the Agriculture Development food security, through ecosys- amount of C02 sequestered in Advisor in USAID’s tem services and by adopting the estates’ biomass. Alternative Development and social impact policies. The Since March 2007, 2nd class Agriculture Office in Kabul. company’s challenge at the alumna Elizabeth Brown Her work focuses on alterna- In Bamyan province, Afghanistan, broadest level is to develop has been working at the U.S. tive livelihood agricultural Elizabeth Brown stands in front of a market-based solution to Embassy in Afghanistan for and rural development the rock-hewn Bamyan Buddhas spur investment in tropical the United States Agency for programs as well as on envi- the Taliban destroyed shortly before ronmental and biodiversity Sept. 11, 2001 programming. One of her primary environmental field Amanda Rives-Argeñal, sites is located in Bamyan, an alumna from the 3rd class, Afghanistan. recently started working at Nate Heller, an alumnus World Vision International from the 3rd class, completed where she is helping to build an MBA at Yale School of advocacy capacity in 14 Management in May 2009. National Offices, coordinat- In August will start working ing communications and as a Program Consultant advocacy campaigns, and in Hyderabad, India, with representing World Vision VisionSpring, a nonprofit International in the City social enterprise that equips of Knowledge in Panama local entrepreneurs to start City. She will be relocating small businesses selling Andy Miller in front of the National Forestry Institute (Inab) of with his to Panama City over the reading glasses. l Guatemalan Foresta teammate. summer.

Welcome to the Leland Fellowship Family

Todd Flower, alum- Mike Manske, alumnus nus from the 3rd class, from the 3rd class, and his and his wife, Kathleen wife, Eleanor, welcomed Reaugh Flower, married their son, Gavin Kuziva on September 13, 2008. Manske, who was born on Their daughter, Lisa, May 18, 2009 at 5:52 pm at was born on November Sibley Memorial Hospital in 28, 2008. Todd and his Washington, DC. The baby family are currently measured 19 inches and living in Liberia. weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces.

Lisa Macklin Flower Gavin Kuziva Manske

8 Sustenance ˙ July 2009 National Policy Report

By Edward M. Cooney

Engaging the New presentations as one of several of CNF and NANA. The topic children affected by this deci- Administration on tools to shape their research of the meeting was “com- sion will continue to receive Domestic Hunger agenda in future years. Ed petitive foods,” (foods that their school meals. Priorities presented a White Paper on compete with foods served CHC’s executive director, the 2009 Child Nutrition through the National School Update on the Ed Cooney, met with the Reauthorization legislation. Lunch Program). Over 50 FY10 Agriculture Presidential Transition team The key topics of discussion groups attended. The Harkin/ Appropriations on Agriculture with allied included the importance Woolsey bills creating the House floor action in the national anti-hunger groups. of establishing nutrition establishment of nutrition Agriculture Appropriation for We also met with key White standards for foods that standards for competitive FY10 has increased funding House staff at the Domestic “compete” with schools meals foods were the focus of for a broad range of domes- Policy Council and the Office and whether or not Congress the discussion. The enact- tic and international food of Management and Budget should establish a nationally ment of these bills as part security programs, includ- (OMB). The impact of these approved list of “good foods/ of the 2009 Child Nutrition ing WIC (Women, Infants, meetings was swift and bad foods” and deny SNAP Reauthorization could have and Children Program), immense. The President’s participants the right to make a profound impact on child- Commodity Supplemental Economic Stimulus legislation any choice regarding selec- hood obesity and improved Food, Food for Peace-Public include our recommenda- tion of any “bad foods.” health status for the 30 mil- Law 480 Title II, and the tion of $20 billion in new lion children participating in McGovern/Dole International money for SNAP (formerly Supporting the school meals program. The Food for Education and Child the Food Stamp program) as Tufts/Kellogg discussion was spirited and Nutrition programs. The an important mechanism Foundation Forum encompassed all outstanding Emerson/ Leland Hunger to immediately jump start In June, Tufts University issue from the private sector, Fellowships are funded at the economy through the Friedman School of Nutrition consumer, anti-hunger and $2.5 million. The Senate expenditure of federal funds. Science and Policy and the school nutrition perspectives. Agriculture Appropriation Also, the President’s FY 2010 W.K. Kellogg Foundation held If legislation is enacted, this subcommittee has approved budget included $1 billion a forum at the National Press meeting will likely be noted the Agriculture subcommit- in new spending authority Club in Washington, D.C. as having a significant impact tee recommendation to fully for the 2009 Child Nutrition on “Children’s Health: The on all participants. fund the Emerson/Leland Reauthorization. No other Future of Food and Nutrition Fellowships at $3 million. Administration has included Policy.” Several Emerson Working with the Final funding levels for a similar budget request for Fellows and CHC staff Philadelphia Universal programs like the Emerson/ child nutrition programs. attended. CHC played a major School Pilot Leland Fellowships will be role in the planning of the USDA threatened to end determined in a House/Senate Advising the Institute of forum and the selection of the 17 year universal school conference in September. l Medicine (IOM) of the speakers. Approximately 180 lunch pilot in Philadelphia. National Academies people attended the event. There were some adminis- The Food and Nutrition The purpose of the event was trative issues with the pilot Board (FNB) of IOM invited to highlight the role that the and the length of the pilot Kathleen Rasmussen Friedman School faculty and was also a factor. This deci- of Cornell University, students play in agriculture sion caused a major political Reynaldo Martorell of and nutrition policy for reaction from the gover- Emory University and Ed Washington policy makers. nor and the Pennsylvania Cooney of CHC to address Congressional delegation. the board at its summer Hosting the Child CHC was an informal adviser meeting in June at Woods Nutrition Forum (CNF) to USDA, Senator Robert P. Hole, Massachusetts on and National Alliance Casey, Jr., and Community issues of nutrition affect- for Nutrition and Legal Services of Philadelphia. ing women and children in Activity (NANA) USDA has now decided to the U.S. and in developing On May 12th CHC hosted revisit this issue during reau- countries. FNB will use these the first joint policy meeting thorization. So, the 130,000

Sustenance ˙ July 2009 9 International School Feeding Photography Initiative In depth look at the impact of school feeding programs around the world

s part of an effort to implement or are Aincrease political support impacted by school for school feeding, Elizabeth feeding programs to Whelan, photographer and those who are mak- Associate Director of the ing program and Mickey Leland International policy decisions. The Hunger Fellows Program, and photographs were Rachel Winch, a current taken along with Leland Fellow, collaborated in-depth interviews on a School Feeding Advocacy to ensure that the Initiative. initiative draws from An important element the perspectives of the initiative took place of students, teach- on June 18, 2009 when the ers, parents and House Hunger Caucus and caretakers, school Congressional Hunger Center administrators, hosted a photo exhibit at the community leaders, U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center government leaders, highlighting school feed- implementers, and In 2001 the Supreme Court of India mandated that the state and national ing programs in Mali, India school feeding advocates. governments provide a noon-time meal in all government and government- and Chile. Representative The traveling exhibit, which aided primary schools as part of the nation’s commitment to the Right to Food James P. McGovern, and will show at various venues Representative John in Washington, D.C. and Series 3: Right to their families and their Boozman both co-chairs beyond, consists of three Food and Innovative communities. As the of the caucus, spoke at the series of photographs, high- Technology in India mother of two students event. Doug Norell from lighting different aspects of receiving school lunch in Catholic Relief Services and school feeding programs in By encouraging children Sana, Mali said: “If you Dorothy Feustel from the three countries: to attend school, school want to sit in the shade of USDA also gave remarks. Series 1: Community feeding programs create a tree tomorrow, you have The photography exhibit Commitment to School opportunities for students, to water it today.” l was created to bring the Feeding in Mali voices of people who Series 2: Political Will Rachel Winch and Elizabeth Whelan and Public-Private in front of their International School Partnerships in Chile 2009 Victory Against Feeding Photography Exhibit. Hunger Awards The Congressional Hunger Center (CHC) and Victory Wholesale Group (VWG) are pleased to announce the 2009 Victory Against Hunger Awards. This year 25 unre- long-term commitment to stricted $1,000 grants will supporting local food banks, be available to food banks and to draw attention to the throughout the U.S. that play important resource that food an integral role in alleviating banks play for families across hunger in their communities. the country, especially in the The Kantor family, owners current economic climate. of VWG and creators of CHC looks forward to part- the Victory Against Hunger nering with Feeding America Awards, chose this year’s on the 2009 Victory Against theme to highlight their Hunger Awards.

10 Sustenance ˙ July 2009 Mickey Leland Tribute Evening

CHC Board Member. Daniel Kahn, Representative Jo Ambassador Tony Hall, Deputy Secretary of 14th Class Emerson Alumni Amber Herman, Isha Ann Emerson and CHC Staff Jon Wogman Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture Kathleen Plynton, Katherine Moos, and Lindsey Baker with Merrigan and Representative John Lewis 15th class Emerson Fellow Mark Stovell

Representative Jim McGovern and Emerson Fellow Emerson Fellows Cristina Sepe, Renita Woolford, Ayanna Williams and Veronica Conti with CHC Deputy Eileen Hyde Director Margaret Zeigler, Patricia Johnson (center)

Field site supervisor Jon Janowski of Milwaukee’s CHC Staff Hunger Task Force and 12th Class Emerson alumna Karen Wong

Representative John Lewis (center) with Emerson Fellows Kelly Meredith, Cristina Sepe, Renita Woolford, Leland alumna Amanda Rives and former CHC staff Mickey Hubbard, and Veronica Conti and CHC staff Aileen Carr John Kelly

Sustenance ˙ July 2009 11 CHC Welcomes New Leland Program Director and Leland Summer Intern

HC is very pleased to have We also welcome Dara Representative Jo Ann Emerson CGrace Jones as its new Johnson who is serving as Member of Congress CHC Board Co-Chair Director of the Mickey Leland the Mickey Leland Fellowship Representative James P. McGovern International Hunger Fellows Program summer intern. Dara Member of Congress CHC Board Co-Chair Program. A Leland alumna will be assisting with the Representative Byron Dorgan from the 2nd class of Fellows pre-field training preparation Member of Congress Representative Dennis Hertel (2003-3005), Grace began and support for Fellows. After Member of Congress (Retired) Attorney at Law working as the Program her internship, Dara will be The Livingston Group, L.L.P. Director in November 2008. studying in Argentina. l Representative Sheila Jackson Lee Member of Congress Grace Jones and Dara Johnson Ashley Aakesson Executive Director Children’s Nutrition Program of Haiti David Beckmann CHC congratulates Al Franken, a founding board member of CHC, on his recent victory for the President Bread for the World U.S. Senate seat from Minnesota. Al has been a longtime champion of hunger and poverty Karen Coble Edwards programs, and has competed on behalf of CHC in past years on Celebrity Jeopardy. Thanks for Principal KCE Public Affairs Association your service, Al, and a warm welcome to Washington, D.C.! Elizabeth Emerson-Leger President The Leger Company, Inc. Vicki B. Escarra President and CEO America’s Second Harvest–The Nation’s Food Bank Network CHC Board Member Receives National Award Brian Folkerts Vice President, U.S. Government Affairs Kraft Foods Marshall Matz, Founding Award for Child Nutrition by nutrition Past recipients Al Franken Chairman of the Friends of the Global Child Nutrition include Senators Bob Dole Actor/Comedian Lou Gerber the World Food Program, Foundation (GCNF) and the and George McGovern, Legislative Director Partner at Olsson, Frank, School Nutrition Association Dr. Josephine Martin, Ms. Communications Workers of America Daniel Kahn, Esq. Weeda, Terman, Bode, Matz (SNA). The award, named Catherine Bertini of the Davis Polk & Wardwell PC, and founding CHC for the extraordinary Ms. World Food Program and David Kantor President Board Member has been Gene White, honors national CHC’s Edward Cooney. Victory Wholesale Group awarded the 2009 Gene leaders who advocate Congratulations, Marshall! Wolgang von Maack CHC Treasurer White Lifetime Achievement for improved childhood Marshall Matz Partner Olsson, Frank, Weeda, Terman, Bode, Matz, P.C. Manly Molpus President and CEO The Molpus Advisory Group, L.L.C. John R. Sander Management Consultant U.S. Department of State (Retired) Jim Scheibel Executive in Residence Hamline University Mary Catherine Toker VP, Government Relations General Mills, Inc. Edward M. Cooney Executive Director Dr. Margaret M. Zeigler Deputy Director Ambassador Tony P. Hall Founder Ambassador Arthur E. (Gene) Dewey Founding Director

In Memory Of: Honorable Bill Emerson Honorable Mickey Leland

Congressional Hunger Center Hall of the States Building 400 N. Capitol Street NW, Suite G-100 Washington, D.C. 20001 Tel: 202-547-7022 15th Class National Hunger Fellows Veronica Conti, Kelly Meredith, Mickey Hubbard, Christine Tran, Raquel Oriol, Fax: 202-547-7575 Eileen Hyde and Cristina Sepe with FRAC’s Ellen Teller and CHC Board Member Marshall Matz. www.hungercenter.org Tax Exempt 501(c)(3) organization

12 Sustenance ˙ July 2009