Chef Aarón Sánchez, WhyHunger, DOE & USDA Feed Kids and Educate on Proper Nutrition in Bushwick

Additional photos available here: http://shorefire.zenfolio.com/p298239795 

NEW YORK, August 6, 2014 - Acclaimed Latin chef Aarón Sánchez joined Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, WhyHunger, the Dept. of Education and the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service along with 50 NYC-area children today for a communal lunch and a demonstration on how to make simple, nutritious meals at home. Chef Aarón, WhyHunger’s first chef ambassador, led the demonstration at IS 347, in his home neighborhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn in an effort to educate children about proper nutrition while raising awareness of the Summer Food Service Program.

NYC Director of Food Policy Barbara Turk said, "Educating our children on the importance of eating healthy and enabling access to free, nutritious meals are some of the most meaningful initiatives we can engage in as a city."

WhyHunger Senior Program Director Alison Cohen said of the event, "Summer is one of the most challenging times for families who rely on school meals to ensure their kids are getting proper nutrition, which is why WhyHunger works in all 50 states to connect children in need with healthy meals. Today’s event is just one example of how communities are coming together to ensure that all children have access to nutritious food.” 

Chef Aarón Sánchez echoed, "I live in Bushwick and see kids playing at the neighborhood parks. It's so important for them to have a place to come during the summer months where they can have a good meal. Initiatives like this ensure that kids always have access to a good meal."

During the school year, nearly 31 million kids rely on USDA-provided breakfast and lunch and the Summer Food Service Program fills the gap for families to access free, healthy meals when school is not in session. Through the National Hunger Hotline (1-866-3-HUNGRY) and online resources directory, WhyHunger helps families across the U.S. connect to free summer meals sites in their neighborhoods so their kids have access to nutritious food during the summer months. 

“Research shows a lack of nutrition during the summer months may set up a cycle for poor performance once school begins,” said Kevin Concannon, Under Secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services. “We must do all we can to ensure that children get nutritious food year-round so that they are ready to learn during the school year and have a greater chance to succeed.”

“The Department of Education has been in the forefront of providing nutritious food for students that help keep them alert and focused during the summer and throughout the school day,” said Deputy Chancellor of Operations Kathleen Grimm. “We thank Chef Sánchez and WhyHunger for being partners of ours as we continue to improve our menus and provide students with healthy and delicious choices.”

This event is part of WhyHunger's national Summer Meals Rock for Kids campaign to raise awareness and funds for fighting hunger all summer long. In addition to the demo, Chef Aarón joins other WhyHunger Ambassadors like Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Chicago and more by donating an in-home cooking session to auction off for the Summer Meals Rock for Kids campaign. Learn more at whyhunger.org/aaphsummer.

About WhyHunger:
WhyHunger is a leader in building the movement to end hunger and poverty by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food and by supporting grassroots solutions that inspire self-reliance and community empowerment. Founded in 1975 by the late Harry Chapin & current Executive Director Bill Ayres, WhyHunger works to put an end to hunger suffered by 49 million Americans and nearly 1 billion people worldwide. WhyHunger’s main programs include the National Hunger Hotline 1-866-3-HUNGRY, which refers individuals in need of emergency food assistance to soup kitchens, food banks, government nutrition programs & community organizations in their neighborhoods; the Grassroots Action Network, which provides information, networking opportunities, capacity building & access to over 8,000 anti-hunger & poverty community organizations across the United States and around the world; and Artists Against Hunger & Poverty which is supported by Bruce Springsteen, Michael McDonald, Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Joss Stone, Darryl McDaniels, Jackson Browne, O.A.R, Tom Chapin, Jen Chapin and many others. For more information visit: http://www.whyhunger.org