1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

Nearly 14 million children across America faced hunger in 2023, with one in every five children unsure of where their next meal would come from. This alarming situation not only affects children's ability to focus and learn in school but also puts them at higher risk of health issues like anemia and asthma. Furthermore, hunger can impede proper brain and body development, potentially hampering cognitive abilities, learning, and behavior. We must take action to ensure no child in Tennessee goes hungry. While programs like SNAP provide crucial assistance, more needs to be done. I urge you to prioritize initiatives that provide children with reliable access to nutritious meals, both in school and during summer breaks. Additionally, efforts to boost family incomes, increase affordable housing options, and combat systemic racism and discrimination are crucial to addressing the root causes of child hunger. By investing in programs that tackle child food insecurity head-on and addressing its underlying socioeconomic factors, we can create a brighter future for Tennessee's children, allowing them to thrive and reach their full potential. The well-being of our state's youth should be a top priority, as they are the foundation of our tomorrow.