National Anti-Hunger AmeriCorps Program Kicks-Off in Philadelphia

Mayor Nutter, Obama Administration Officials Swear-In AmeriCorps VISTA Team to Work in 18 States

Top federal and local officials joined with national and Philadelphia-based non-profit groups at City Hall to swear-in forty-six members of the new national Anti-Hunger and Opportunity Corps, an AmeriCorps VISTA project which will build the capacities of nonprofit organizations in 18 states at nearly 30 sites to enable more eligible individuals and families to fight hunger while also empowering them to achieve long-term financial security.

The program is being led by the New York City Coalition Against Hunger (NYCCAH), a non-profit organization, and funded jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in combination with additional support from the Walmart Foundation, this unique public-private partnership is aimed at reducing the hunger and food insecurity faced by 50 million Americans.

“Building strong communities means making sure families have the food and nutrition they need to start their children on the right path,” said Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY). “By partnering with New York City Coalition Against Hunger, the Anti-Hunger and Opportunity Corps will go a long way towards helping New Yorkers, and families across the country, gain access to the food they need.”

“Thousands of New York families are struggling just to put food on their tables during this difficult economy," said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). "The National Anti-Hunger and Opportunity Corps will make critically important contributions to organizations around the state that are on the frontline working to help families during their time of great need. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, I am working to support their efforts, combat hunger and improve nutrition.”

Michael A. Nutter, the Mayor of Philadelphia, Kevin Concannon, the USDA Undersecretary who is the chief anti-hunger official in the Obama Administration, Paul Davis, the acting Director of AmeriCorps VISTA, and Joel Berg, the Executive Director of the New York City Coalition Against Hunger swore in the new VISTAs at City Hall.