About Us
Nourishing Futures, One Child at a Time
At Children’s Healthy Nutrition Association (CHNA), we believe that no child’s potential should be limited by hunger or poor nutrition. Founded with a simple yet powerful mission, we are dedicated to ensuring that every child in the United States has access to wholesome, nutritious food and the education needed to lead a healthy, active life.
Childhood is the foundation for a lifetime of health, learning, and opportunity. Yet, millions of children face barriers to proper nutrition, whether due to poverty, lack of resources, or limited education about healthy eating. At CHNA, we work tirelessly to break those barriers by:
- Providing healthy meals and food assistance to underserved families.
- Partnering with schools to introduce nutrition education programs.
- Hosting workshops and resources for families to make healthy, affordable choices.
- Advocating for stronger child nutrition policies on a local and national level.
Our passionate team—composed of nutritionists, educators, community leaders, and volunteers—believes that when children have the fuel and knowledge they need, they can succeed in school, thrive in their communities, and grow into healthy, empowered adults.
From urban centers to rural towns, we partner with families, schools, and organizations to create a brighter future for all children. Because when we nourish kids today, we build stronger communities tomorrow.
Our Story: How a Small Idea Became a Nationwide Mission
The Children’s Healthy Nutrition Association (CHNA) began with a simple observation: too many children in our own neighborhoods were going to bed hungry or starting their school day without a proper meal. Teachers, parents, and community leaders noticed the same heartbreaking reality — hunger and poor nutrition were keeping children from reaching their full potential.
What started as a small group of volunteers delivering healthy snacks to schools in McAllen, Texas, quickly grew into something much larger. We realized that the issue wasn’t just about food—it was about access, education, and awareness. Children needed not only nourishment but also the tools and knowledge to make healthy choices that would carry them into adulthood.
In 2018, CHNA was officially formed to address these challenges on a broader scale. Our mission became clear: to ensure that every child in the United States has access to nutritious meals and the education to lead a healthy, thriving life.
From our first school partnership program, where we served 200 meals a week, we have grown to serve thousands of children across multiple states, providing:
- Healthy Meals & Food Support: Feeding children who might otherwise go hungry.
- Nutrition Education Programs: Teaching students and families about healthy eating, cooking, and lifestyle habits.
- Community Outreach & Advocacy: Partnering with schools, community centers, and policymakers to address food insecurity at its root.
Along the way, we have built strong partnerships with local organizations, educators, and families. Together, we have not only filled empty plates but also sparked conversations about lasting change, health equity, and the power of education.
Today, CHNA stands as a growing movement — powered by passionate team members, volunteers, and supporters nationwide — working toward a future where no child suffers from hunger, malnutrition, or lack of access to healthy food.
Where It All Began
It started with a small group of parents, educators, and health advocates who saw a troubling pattern:
- Many children were going to school hungry or surviving on processed, nutrient-poor foods.
- Families struggling financially had few resources to provide balanced meals.
- Schools lacked the funding or programs to teach students about nutrition and healthy habits.
What began as a local effort to deliver meals and host simple nutrition workshops quickly grew into a nationwide mission.
Our Growth Over the Years
From our humble beginnings to today, we have:
- Served hundreds of thousands of healthy meals to children in underserved communities.
- Partnered with over 1,200 schools to introduce nutrition education programs.
- Trained and supported families through workshops, meal planning resources, and wellness coaching.
- Built strong community alliances with local organizations, health experts, and businesses to expand our impact.
Every milestone has brought us closer to our dream: a country where every child can thrive because they are nourished and informed.
What We Believe
Our story isn’t just about food — it’s about empowerment. We believe:
Advocacy drives progress.
By fighting for better child health policies, we ensure systemic changes that help millions.
Nutrition is a right, not a privilege.
Every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to healthy meals.
Education creates lasting change.
Teaching children and families about nutrition builds healthier futures far beyond a single meal.
Community is the key to sustainability.
Real change happens when schools, families, local leaders, and supporters work together.
Our Impact Today
At Children’s Healthy Nutrition Association (CHNA), our work is felt every day in schools, homes, and communities across the United States. Through the dedication of our team, partners, and supporters, we are making a measurable difference in the lives of children and families who need us most.
- More than 1,200 schools partnered with nationwide, bringing engaging nutrition education and healthy food programs directly to classrooms.
- Thousands of families supported every year, gaining access to tools and resources that help them build healthier, brighter futures.
These numbers are more than statistics—they represent the children who go to bed full, the students who perform better in school, and the families who discover the confidence and knowledge to make lasting healthy changes.
With your support, we can reach even more children and create a future where no child’s potential is limited by hunger or poor nutrition.
Why We Do It
Hunger and poor nutrition aren’t just problems of the present—they’re obstacles that can affect a child’s entire life. Children who lack proper nutrition are more likely to struggle academically, face health challenges, and encounter barriers to reaching their full potential.
At CHNA, we believe that every child, no matter their background, should have the fuel and education to thrive. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term change, we’re building stronger communities and giving children the foundation for success.
