Women in US History Who Have Impacted Food Security Efforts
Since in March 8th we celebrate the International Women’s day, we should recognize those women in our country’s history who have made an impact in ensuring those who face food insecurity have a chance in getting nutritious food set on their table.
As a Latina founded and owned company, it is a pleasure for us to recognize women making an impact in such a daring issue as food insecurity is. In this blog edition, we present ten female heroes that have made a difference in ensuring food security for those at most need.
1. Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005)
Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress, played a key role in expanding the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the 1970s. Her advocacy ensured that low-income mothers and children had access to nutritious food, setting the foundation for one of the most critical food assistance programs in the U.S.
2. Frances Moore Lappé (b. 1944)
Lappé is an author and activist best known for her book Diet for a Small Planet, which reshaped how Americans think about food systems, sustainability, and hunger. She co-founded Food First, an institute that promotes equitable food policies to fight hunger worldwide, including in the U.S.
3. Marian Wright Edelman (b. 1939)
A lifelong advocate for children’s rights, Edelman founded the Children’s Defense Fund, which has been instrumental in expanding school meal programs and advocating for policies to fight childhood hunger in low-income communities.
4. Dorothy Day (1897–1980)
Day was the co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, which established soup kitchens and food pantries to feed the homeless and working poor. Her legacy continues in the network of Catholic Worker communities that provide meals and food assistance across the country.
5. Janie Simms Hipp (b. 1959)
As the founder of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative, Hipp has worked to strengthen food sovereignty among Native American communities, ensuring access to nutritious, culturally relevant foods and supporting Indigenous farmers.
6. Michelle Obama (b. 1964)
As First Lady, Obama launched the Let’s Move! campaign, which tackled childhood obesity and expanded access to healthier food in schools, food deserts, and underserved communities. She also played a key role in strengthening school nutrition programs.
7. Katherine “Katy” Brown (b. 1960s)
As the former governor of Oregon, Brown spearheaded efforts to expand access to free school meals for all students in the state, recognizing that hunger is a barrier to education and well-being.
8. Karen Washington (b. 1950s)
A food justice advocate and urban farmer, Washington co-founded Black Urban Growers (BUGS) and has worked to increase access to fresh food in low-income communities while empowering people to grow their own food.
9. Alice Waters (b. 1944)
Waters, a chef and food activist, launched the Edible Schoolyard Project, which integrates gardening and nutrition education into school curriculums, teaching children about healthy eating and food sustainability.
10. Mariana Chilton (b. 1970s)
An expert in public health, Chilton founded Witnesses to Hunger, a research and advocacy initiative that amplifies the voices of low-income women facing food insecurity, influencing food policy at the national level.
These women have shaped policies, launched initiatives, and fought for food justice, leaving lasting impacts on food security in the U.S. Let’s celebrate these women and their legacy by taking meaningful action!: support our virtual food drive to ensure women and families in East Hartford have nutritious food available. Each dollar donated supports up to two meals provided by CT Foodshare, so every dollar counts! You can donate as little or as much as possible, and your contribution will be a significant step towards food security in our community.