The funds will be used to launch Jackson’s “Meals Matter”, a campaign that partners with Jackson Public Schools in order to make food more affordable for children. JPS already offers summer meals. The campaign plans to offer weekend and after-school meals. Candice Cole, Candice’s Director for Communications, stated that Jackson Meals Matter will raise awareness about hunger in the city and the need to establish more feeding programs in the summer and after-school program. The campaign will help Mayor Chokwe antar Lumumba achieve his goal of reducing hunger by 25% in Jackson, she said. Cole stated that more than 30 percent of Jackson’s children live in “dire poverty”. A study by the Food Research and Action Center found that only about 8 percent Mississippi children who receive food through the National School Lunch Program participate in the school’s summer meal program. This ranks it 47th out of all 50 states. Feeding America reports that 25 percent of Hinds County residents are food insecure. This compares to the national average of 13 percent. The campaign will provide more meals with JPS and create an online directory of food options in the area. The Department of Human and Cultural Services and Department of Parks and Recreation will lead the initiative. Ison Harris Jr., Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that Jackson Meals Matter will heavily rely on data from SNAP, the Department of Human Services and JPS to determine which communities will experience hunger. Harris said that the campaign would help those who are not already enrolled in SNAP, Women, Infants, and Children (known under WIC), sign up for these services. Harris estimates that Jacksonians will be enrolled in these programs by as much as 20% through the 36 anti-hunger events. Harris stated that they are also working to overcome some of the obstacles that often stigmatize people in need of hunger services. These include embarrassment for asking for help and lack of trust in government programs. Harris said that the campaign will also create a mascot for the program and a food truck with JPS. Harris said that the campaign is seeking a food truck and that it is open to anyone with a vehicle. This grant comes as part of National League of Cities’ CHAMPS program which provides more meals for children through after-school and summer meals. The grant will also be awarded to Allentown, Pa. and Durham, N.C. Little Rock, Ark., Miami Gardens (Fl.) and Winston-Salem N.C.