Our Mission
Nourishing Bodies, Empowering Futures
At Children’s Healthy Nutrition Association (CHNA), our mission is to ensure every child in the United States has access to nutritious food and the knowledge needed to make healthy choices for life. We work tirelessly to fight childhood hunger, deliver engaging nutrition education, and empower families and schools to create healthier environments where every child can grow, learn, and thrive.
Nourishing Children Today for a Healthier Tomorrow
At Children’s Healthy Nutrition Association (CHNA), our mission is to ensure that every child in the United States has consistent access to nutritious, wholesome food and the education necessary to make healthy choices. We are dedicated to combating childhood hunger and malnutrition by providing meals, resources, and support to children, families, schools, and communities. Through advocacy, outreach, and partnership, we empower children to develop lifelong habits that promote wellness, growth, and success.
Our goal is to create an environment where no child is held back by hunger or lack of knowledge — where every child can thrive physically, mentally, and academically because they have the nourishment and tools they need to flourish.
Our Vision: A Future Where Every Child Thrives
We envision a future where childhood hunger is eliminated, and all children, regardless of their background or circumstances, have equal opportunities to grow, learn, and lead healthy lives. A future where nutritious food is accessible, education on healthy living is widespread, and communities work together to support the well-being of their youngest members.
Through persistent effort and collective action, CHNA aims to be a national leader in transforming how children experience nutrition and health — building stronger families, healthier schools, and vibrant communities for generations to come.
Fueling the Future: One Healthy Child at a Time
At the Children’s Healthy Nutrition Association (CHNA), our mission is simple yet powerful:
To ensure that every child in America has access to nutritious food, health education, and a supportive environment that enables lifelong wellness.
We envision a future where no child suffers from hunger, poor nutrition, or lack of knowledge about healthy living. Our programs are designed to create sustainable change—within homes, schools, and communities—by addressing the root causes of childhood hunger and poor dietary habits.
Why Our Mission Matters
- Childhood Nutrition Shapes Lifelong Health:
Poor nutrition during childhood is directly linked to obesity, diabetes, developmental delays, and reduced academic performance. By intervening early, we help lay the foundation for healthier, more successful futures. - Food is Fuel for Learning:
A child who is well-fed is a child who can focus, learn, and thrive. We support students with nutritious meals and health education so they’re ready to reach their full potential in the classroom. - Community Collaboration Drives Change:
We partner with schools, food banks, parents, and healthcare providers to address both immediate hunger and long-term wellness education in under-served communities.
Our Core Values:The Principles That Guide Everything We Do
At CHNA, our mission is powered by a deep commitment to values that ensure dignity, sustainability, and impact. These values shape how we serve children, work with communities, and grow our movement for a healthier future.
Compassion
We lead with heart. Every program we design and every meal we serve is rooted in compassion for the children and families we support. We understand the challenges they face and respond with kindness, empathy, and respect—making sure every child feels seen, heard, and cared for.
Equity
We believe that every child, no matter where they live or what their background is, deserves a fair shot at a healthy future. Our work focuses on removing barriers to good nutrition, education, and wellness—because true health equity means no child is left behind.
Integrity
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of honesty and accountability. Whether it’s how we use donations or how we report our results, we operate with full transparency. Our integrity earns the trust of communities, partners, and supporters alike.
Education
We don’t just feed children—we teach them. Through fun, age-appropriate programs and community workshops, we empower children and families with the knowledge they need to make healthy choices that last a lifetime.
Sustainability
Our solutions are designed to last. From building local food systems to training community leaders, we focus on long-term change. We ensure our efforts today create healthier, self-reliant communities for tomorrow.
Inclusivity
We embrace the beauty of diversity. Our programs are culturally sensitive, accessible, and inclusive of all races, languages, and family structures. Every child, caregiver, and partner is welcomed and valued at CHNA.
Our Goals
✅ Distribute Nutritious Meals
Provide meals to low-income children through schools, shelters, and community programs.
✅ Deliver Nutrition Education
Equip children and families with information on healthy eating, cooking, and wellness habits.
✅ Combat Childhood Obesity
Advocate for policy change, physical activity programs, and school-based interventions.
✅ Empower Communities
Train parents, teachers, and volunteers to be local leaders in child health.
✅ Eliminate Food Deserts
Partner with local businesses and nonprofits to improve access to fresh, affordable food in under-served areas.
Our Mission in Action
Weekly Meal Deliveries
Every week, we bring nutritious, kid-friendly meals directly to the doorsteps of families in need. Our carefully planned menus meet the dietary needs of growing children, ensuring they receive the essential vitamins and nutrients necessary for healthy development. More than just food, these deliveries provide relief, dignity, and the reassurance that no child will go to bed hungry. We partner with local food producers to keep meals fresh, culturally relevant, and tailored to the community we serve.
Healthy Habits Curriculum
Nutrition isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about lifelong habits. Our Healthy Habits Curriculum is a fun, engaging, and age-appropriate educational program taught in schools and after-school centers. Kids learn the basics of nutrition, the importance of physical activity, how to read food labels, and even how to prepare simple healthy snacks. With interactive lessons and take-home activities, we’re equipping young minds to make informed choices for their bodies and well-being—now and into adulthood.
Community Garden Projects
At the Children’s Healthy Nutrition Association (CHNA), we believe that lasting change begins at the roots—quite literally. Our Community Garden Projects are vibrant, living classrooms where children, families, and neighborhoods come together to cultivate not just fresh produce, but lifelong skills, stronger relationships, and a deeper appreciation for healthy living.
Why Community Gardens Matter
In many underserved communities across the United States, access to fresh fruits and vegetables is limited or non-existent. Our garden projects directly address this gap by turning underutilized land—schoolyards, community centers, and vacant lots—into thriving green spaces that nourish bodies and minds.
Hands-on Learning for Children
Children don’t just watch food grow—they grow with it. Through our garden-based education programs, kids learn:
- How food is grown and harvested
- The importance of plant-based nutrition
- Environmental responsibility and sustainability
- Teamwork, patience, and pride in hard work
These experiences foster healthier eating habits and inspire a lifelong connection to nutritious food and nature.
Empowering Families & Communities
Community gardens are more than plots of vegetables—they are hubs of empowerment. Parents and local residents get involved in planting, maintaining, and harvesting. They learn gardening techniques, nutrition tips, and how to cook what they grow. In doing so, families gain confidence, self-sufficiency, and a renewed sense of community pride.
Local Solutions with Lasting Impact
Each garden project is tailored to reflect the needs, culture, and resources of the local area. We collaborate with schools, nonprofits, municipal leaders, and neighborhood volunteers to ensure every garden thrives long after it’s planted.
Over time, these green spaces:
- Improve food security
- Enhance children’s academic performance and focus
- Reduce grocery bills for families
- Beautify neighborhoods and foster community resilience
From Seed to Sustenance, Together
At CHNA, we see every garden as a symbol of hope. From a tiny seed comes transformation—for a child, for a family, and for an entire community.
Conclusion
Together, We Nourish the Future
At the Children’s Healthy Nutrition Association (CHNA), our mission is more than a promise—it’s a commitment to the well-being of every child, every family, and every community we serve. From school meals to garden projects, education to advocacy, we are driven by compassion, fueled by purpose, and guided by the belief that every child deserves a healthy start in life.
Our work is not possible without the support of passionate individuals, dedicated partners, and caring volunteers like you. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word, you are helping build a world where no child goes to bed hungry and every child has the opportunity to thrive.
???? Let’s grow hope. Let’s plant change. Let’s nourish futures—together.
