With the debut of her new children’s food show, Waffles + Mochi, former First Lady Michelle Obama is aiming to give one million meals to families and communities facing food insecurity.
The “Pass the Love w/ Waffles + Mochi” program initiative was created in collaboration with the nonprofit Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) and Higher Ground Productions, owned by the best-selling author and husband former President Barack Obama. The former First Lady helped found PHA as part of her 2010 “Let’s Move!” campaign and serves as an honorary chair.
ABC News reported that the goal to give away a million meals was inspired by the show which follows two puppet friends who “travel the world exploring the wonders of food and culture while learning how to cook with fresh ingredients.”
Both Walmart and Blue Apron have reportedly pledged their support to the goal
PHA President and CEO Nancy Roman shared with The Associated Press that both companies will donate money to the campaign and assist in fundraising efforts.
Food insecurity, defined as limited access to food or unknown access to enough food, has been on the rise in the US since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. During the winter season, food banks across the country saw significant increases in demand, as millions of American households grappled with income loss and financial burdens stemming from the pandemic’s impact on the global economy.
Feeding America estimates nearly 45 million Americans experienced food insecurity last year, that’s nearly 10 million more people compared to 2019.
The campaign will use Genuine Food, a food service organization, to source and put together the meal boxes. Meals are set to go out in May, Roman shared with the AP, local nonprofits will hand them out starting in cities with the highest reported rates of child poverty.
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