NC Child Hunger Leaders Conference
The 2024 NC Child Hunger Leaders Conference will take place on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 in Chapel Hill! This annual day of celebration and inspiration is for everyone in our state interested in making sure kids have access to healthy food in schools and beyond. Register here.
Do you have a topic or presentation that you think should be a part of the 2024 Conference? Let us know at carolinahungerinitiative@unc.edu!
THE DETAILS
2024 NC Child Hunger Leaders Conference
WHO?
Anyone interested in nutrition, fighting hunger, education, or making sure kids have access to healthy food is invited. Previous conference attendees have included everyone from nutrition professionals, to principals and teachers, to food banks, to faith-based organizations, to elected officials, to advocates and community leaders.
The conference is hosted by Carolina Hunger Initiative, a part of the UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. The conference was started by No Kid Hungry NC, which is a partnership between UNC and Share Our Strength supported by the same team as Carolina Hunger Initiative.
WHAT?
The conference is a day of celebration and inspiration. Attendees will have a chance to connect with other child hunger leaders from across the state, learn about new strategies and success stories, and leave reenergized to continue the fight against child hunger.
WHEN?
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
WHERE?
The Friday Conference Center in Chapel Hill, NC
WHY?
All kids need healthy food to thrive. 1 in 6 children in North Carolina face hunger. More than 60% of public school students in North Carolina qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. (That’s about 900,000 kids.) Increasing access to healthy food for kids has been linked to better academic performance and better social-emotional outcomes. Let’s end child hunger in our state.
THE AGENDA
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL AGENDA.
This year’s event features:
SUE WALSH — Olympian, NC Sports Hall of Fame Member, Cancer Research Fundraiser, and Supporter of Food Security Initiatives
A performance by the RALIEGH ROCKERS BREAKING CREW, in celebration of the new Olympic sport: breaking.
Frist Lady of North Carolina Kristin Cooper.
2023 NC Teacher of the Year Kimberly Jones, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.
2023 NC Principal of the Year Donna Bledsoe, Surry County Schools.
Lynn Harvey, Senior Director, Office of School Nutrition, NC Department of Public Instruction.
The leadership team of the School Meals for All NC coalition.
Performances from the UNC Chamber Singers and UNC Brass Quintet.
And more speakers from school nutrition teams, community organizations, food banks, and meal sponsors across the state!
Stay tuned for more updates on featured speakers.
THE THEME
The 2024 NC Child Hunger Leaders Conference is inspired by… THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT!
The Olympics are headed to Paris, France, in summer 2024. In that spirit, we will be celebrating the CHAMPIONS across North Carolina who go the extra mile to make sure kids have access to healthy food.
This year’s theme: “YOU are the CHAMPIONS!”
Join us in February to break bread, break records, and break ground on new partnerships and innovations!
JOIN THE TORCH RELAY
Looking for a fun way to shout-out your team on the big screen during the event, whether you are attending or not? We want you to make a simple 10 second video as part of the Torch Relay for this year’s NC Child Hunger Leaders Conference!
Click here to learn more about how to particpate. Make sure to send yours in by Friday, February 9, at 11:59pm!
GET INVOLVED
INTERESTED IN PRESENTING?
Do you have a great success story or innovative practice related to fighting child hunger that you want to present at the conference?
Do you have a creative and engaging way to present it?
Tell us what you’d do with 5 minutes on the agenda to tell your story. Share your idea with us by completing the question on the registration form or sending it to carolinahungerinitiative@unc.edu.
INTERESTED IN SPONSORING?
Carolina Hunger Initiative has sponsorship opportunities open for this year’s event. The NC Child Hunger Leaders Conference attracts more than 350 leading nutrition professionals, passionate advocates, and stakeholders from across the state each year. Contact us at carolinahungerinitiative@unc.edu to learn more.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Here’s what attendees at previous years of the conference had to say:
“It was one of the most exhilarating conferences I have attended.”
“This was very beneficial to have administrators and teachers attend so that we can work hand in hand.”
“The location was great, the involvement was great, and the food throughout the day was an added bonus.”
“Wonderful networking opportunities.”
“It felt very warm to know that we are part of a big cause, and this is something that we will pass to our kids and families.”
“This is the best opportunity we have had all year for an extended session of sharing ideas, collaborations, and strategies.”
“It’s always encouraging and gives hope for our children.”