Change for Good 2026
The Power of Public Schools: The Transformative Impact of School Food
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026
12 p.m. Central / 1 p.m. Eastern / 10 a.m. Pacific
Research shows that reliable access to school meals helps students learn and thrive, and children who are hungry find it hard to focus and learn. A free (universal) school meal program provides school food for every student, increases participation and removes the stigma for students who receive free or reduced price meals. A free meal program provides economic relief to families, eliminates school meal debt and cuts bureaucratic red tape for districts and schools.
Universal meals also play a key role in addressing hunger for all students – including children who are immigrants and refugees and cannot participate in other social safety net food programs. As cuts to federal programs and social safety nets impact families, and food insecurity and hunger increase, access to free school meals has never been more critical.
Change for Good – The Transformative Impact of School Food will:
- Examine the landscape of universal school meals across the United States and share lessons learned from a successful state-level campaign in New Mexico
- Set the stage for the work ahead in states, including Illinois
- Share how you can get involved and support this work!
We are pleased to announce our prestigious panel of speakers, including:
- Tarrah DeClemente, Executive Director of Nutrition Support Services, Chicago Public Schools
- Marie Johnson, Executive Director of Food and Nutrition Services, Albuquerque Public Schools
- Sara Porter, Vice President of External Affairs, Healthy Schools Campaign
- Jennifer Tani, President + CEO, Healthy Schools Campaign
Many thanks to our generous Change for Good sponsors and the individual Changemakers who support this important work!
Healthy Schools Campaign’s 2026 Change for Good series will feature three dynamic virtual events that demonstrate the power of public schools and showcase how effective advocacy and partnerships lead to positive change that supports students, schools and families. Learn more.