On the 250th anniversary of our nation's independence, Americans from every background, every community, every political party, and every corner of this country are joining together to declare that ending hunger in the United States is no longer a distant hope but an idea whose time has come.

47.9M

Americans struggle to access nutritious food, including 14 million children (one in five).

USDA Food Security Survey Report, December 2025

1 in 10

American households report children missing meals, more than double the pandemic rate.

 
Federal Reserve Bank of New York, May 2026

1 in 3

American households are dipping into savings to pay for groceries, up from 1 in 5 during the pandemic.

 
Federal Reserve Bank of New York, May 2026

Now, in every human question, there is something more powerful than strength, than courage, than genius itself:  it is the idea whose time has come.  — Émile Souvestre

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for a people to reaffirm the promise of their nation, and to guarantee that every child may fully participate in the opportunities of liberty, growth, and happiness, a declaration of shared purpose becomes not only fitting, but essential.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that every child is born with extraordinary potential; that every young mind carries within it the capacity to imagine, create, discover, and shape the future in ways yet unseen. 

We declare the American Dream starts with a full plate. And that every child must have sufficient affordable, abundant, and nourishing food to bring that dream to life. Food is more than sustenance. It is energy for learning, fuel for imagination. It forms the foundation of confidence, where talents are uncovered and futures are shaped. And in this nation, there is more than enough. America is a land of abundance. Where fields, farms, kitchens, restaurants, and tables reflect the richness and diversity of our communities.

Our country is capable of extraordinary things when united by a common purpose. We have reached the moon, cured diseases, and expanded the boundaries of human achievement. Therefore, we undoubtedly possess both the means and the determination to ensure every child in this country has the nourishment needed to learn, grow, and succeed. Imagine an America where every child possesses the energy to pursue their passions. Where every classroom is filled with curious minds prepared to learn. Where future inventors, teachers, artists, builders, scientists, and leaders are free to discover what they are capable of becoming.

A well-nourished child does not merely grow stronger in body, but bolder in spirit. They learn with greater focus. Play with greater joy. Dream without limitation. When millions of children are equipped to become the fullest version of themselves, the benefits ripple outward to every family, every community, and every corner of the nation. Stronger children help build stronger communities. Stronger communities help build a stronger America. Such a future is not beyond our reach. It is waiting for us to build it.

Here are the facts before us: More than 14 million children, nearly 1 in 5 kids in the United States, live in  households that face challenges accessing the food they need. Yet we know that when children have consistent access to nourishing food, they are better positioned to learn, grow, contribute, and reach their full potential. School meals, government and nonprofit food assistance programs, and community organizations play an important role in helping children and families access the nourishment they need. Together, they represent investments not only in individual well-being, but in the future strength and resilience of our communities.

Therefore, on this anniversary year of American independence, we declare our shared commitment to unlocking the full promise of America's children. We declare that every child shall have a fair shot at the future. We declare that no imagination shall be limited by an empty stomach. We declare that the strength of this nation is measured not only by its prosperity, but by how well it equips the next generation. We declare that by coming together, we can create an America where every child is equipped to contribute their talents, pursue their dreams, and strengthen their communities. We declare our conviction in an America filled with abundant, affordable, and nourishing food. We declare the promise of America starts with a full plate.

When children are nourished, their bodies, minds, and hearts grow stronger, and their potential expands beyond measure. We declare our commitment to ending childhood hunger once and for all. For when all children are given the nourishment they need, we unlock a future defined by possibility, strength, and shared prosperity. And for the advancement of this vision, with faith in one another and confidence in the boundless promise of future generations, we pledge our effort, our compassion, and our resolve.

Add Your Name to the Declaration

This Declaration belongs to every American. Sign it as yourself, from wherever you stand in American life. If you list an organizational affiliation, it appears for identification only and does not represent an endorsement by that organization.

Signing takes less than two minutes. There is no lobbying, no fundraising, and no ongoing obligation connected with this initiative.

What your signature does

When thousands of recognized leaders and millions of everyday Americans have signed, something shifts. A mayor, a hospital CEO, a school superintendent, a corporate leader, a parent, a student, a veteran, each one who believes hunger is solvable and unacceptable adds their voice to a record that grows more powerful with every name. The Declaration becomes the common value that Americans across every background and every corner of this country already share. When enough people have said it together, it stops being an opinion and becomes an expectation.

Legislators follow public will. When this Declaration represents a genuine cross-sector, cross-partisan coalition, hunger stops being a side issue and becomes a baseline expectation of leadership. That is how we make ending hunger a national priority.

Your name will appear permanently as part of this public record of what Americans chose to stand for at their country's 250th anniversary. It will not be sold, shared, or used for any purpose beyond that record.

Until now, ending hunger in America has been treated as an aspiration. After a declaration of this scale, it becomes an expectation. That changes everything.