Hunger is becoming an increasing problem in the U.S. According to the USDA, over 30 million people currently live in households with food insecurity. On Wednesday, President Biden made a commitment to lower these numbers at the first White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health since 1969. 

Richard Nixon was the last president to hold a conference of this type. The conference held then allowed for the expansion of food stamps, school lunch programs and assisted the creation of the Women, Infants, and Children program that helps finance food assistance to mothers and their babies. 

After the 2022 conference, the White House released a national strategy consisting of guidelines the federal government will follow to address hunger, nutrition and health issues. It also is going to be working towards expanding monthly benefits such as Medicare and Medicaid to assist low-income families. 

In a letter signed by President Biden and released by the White House, Biden wrote, “We are mobilizing the will to meet a bold goal: to end hunger in America and increase healthy eating and physical activity by 2030 so fewer Americans experience diet-related diseases.” 

Following this statement, there are five major pillars that will be put into play. Specifically labeled within the strategies’ table of contents, these pillars include improving food access and affordability, integrating nutrition and health and empowering all consumers to make and have access to healthy choices. The pillars also included supporting physical activity for all and enhancing nutrition and food security research. 

In Biden’s address to the nation, the President said, “This time, we make real change. I’m committed to taking bold steps that are going to help end hunger and enable everyone to have access to affordable, healthy foods and safe places to be physically active.” 

In the future, this decision will hopefully bring positive consequences to everyday life. The President mentions they cannot do this alone. He is calling upon businesses, non-profits and corporations to put in the work and effort to better America’s future.