Rep. Adams Leads Fourth Quarterly Adams Hunger Initiative

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, hosted partner organizations in the fight against hunger for her Congressional district during her quarterly Adams Hunger Initiative yesterday, held virtually while she works in Washington.  

The Membership discussed the ongoing efforts in Washington to extend the Farm Bill by one year, the 118^th Congress in review, opportunities in the next Congress, and community needs and resources in Greater Charlotte. 

“I’m so grateful for the individuals and organizations who’ve joined the Adams Hunger Initiative for the essential work they do in keeping people fed,” said Rep. Adams. “They reassure us that we are not alone in the fight to end hunger.” 

“For such a time as this, the District looks to Congresswoman Adams for leadership,” said Jason Blanton, North Carolina State Organizer at Bread for the World. “The Adams Hunger Initiative demonstrates her commitment to fight on behalf of those who are most in need.  Bread for the World looks forward to partnering with her on defending and expanding WIC, fighting campus hunger, and other critical issues.” 

"As a national organization serving justice-impacted people as they navigate reentry, we often hear from our participants about challenges to finding quality employment that puts food on the table for themselves and their family," said Center for Employment Opportunities North Carolina Site Director, Tiffany Miller. "The Training and Nutrition Stability Act (TNSA) fixes a critical oversight that excludes people in workforce development programs, such as CEO's, from enrolling in SNAP benefits. We are grateful to Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12) for being a co-sponsor and champion of TNSA and for prioritizing anti-hunger initiatives that address the needs of diverse communities." 

“Through my work with The Charlotte Mecklenburg Food Policy Council, where we innovate to increase local food access and Hearts and Hands Food Pantry, where we directly serve families experiencing food insecurity, I’ve seen both the systemic challenges and the immediate needs our communities face,” said Kenya Joseph, Board Chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council. “The Adams Hunger Initiative, led by Congresswoman Alma Adams, is a vital platform to elevate solutions that combine policy, resources, and collaboration. I’m proud to bring these perspectives to the table as we push for sustainable, equitable change for those most impacted by hunger.” 

"The West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition is excited to be part of the Adams Hunger Initiative, which aligns perfectly with our mission to address food insecurity in Charlotte's West Boulevard corridor,” said Elliott Royal, Executive Director of the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition. “Our upcoming Three Sisters Market represents a critical step in providing fresh, quality food to over 19,000 residents who have been underserved by traditional grocery options. We are grateful for Congresswoman Adams' leadership and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities like the Adams Hunger Initiative for us to connect and learn from peer organizations that are transforming our community's access to nutritious food.” 

At tonight’s meeting, Rep. Adams provided an update on her work on the House Committee on Agriculture to protect and expand funding for programs that reduce and eliminate food insecurity in the district, amid debates over extending the usually five-year Farm Bill.  

Rep. Adams’ next Adams Hunger Initiative meeting will take place in March. 

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Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.