During the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) Annual Meeting, the Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger gathered to celebrate three members of the Alliance’s Public Policy Council – Mayor John Giles of Mesa, AZ, Mayor Ron Nirenberg of San Antonio, TX, and Mayor Paige Cognetti of Scranton, PA – and recognize the growth of and collective action taken by the Mayors Alliance since its launch in January 2022.
The Mayors Alliance was proud to recognize the dedication of Mayor Giles, Mayor Cognetti, and Mayor Nirenberg and their commitments in response to the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities. These three mayors have each committed to launching mayor-led task forces on hunger, nutrition, and health in their cities by the end of the summer. These task forces will unite diverse stakeholders to focus on a whole-of-community and government approach to implement the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. We encourage other mayors to consider making their own commitment to the White House Challenge to End Hunger by the deadline of June 30th. Contact us at mayors@strength.org if your office is interested.
The Mayors Alliance currently has 219 members representing 49 states and Washington D.C., and since USCM’s conference, we’re welcoming mayors from Green Bay, Wisconsin; Dearborn, Michigan; Killeen, Texas; Sausalito, California; Redmond, Washington, Troy, Michigan; Fremont, California; Richmond Heights, Ohio; WIlliamsport, Pennsylvania; Newport News, Virginia; and Miami Beach, Florida. In addition, Mayors Alliance members ensured the adoption of a resolution protecting and strengthening SNAP in the 2023 Farm Bill. This is an important tool as congressional negotiations for the next Farm Bill Reauthorization ensue.
It was wonderful to see so many new and returning mayors and staff members during the Mayors Alliance reception during the US Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting. Over the coming months, we expect to lift up opportunities for Mayors to get involved with the Farm Bill negotiations and continue to provide virtual opportunities for Mayors to share examples of how they are addressing child food insecurity in their communities. Please contact mayors@strength.org with any suggestions, requests, or questions.