Championing Change at the Capitol & Beyond

We had an impactful time in Tallahassee for Children’s week , we had the distinct opportunity to sit down with Representative Bruce Antone to discuss several of our key legislative priorities. It was a meaningful conversation that underscored our shared commitment to building a more equitable and just Florida.

One of the major highlights of our conversation was House Bill 1245, which proposes a pilot program to combat food insecurity at public universities, with a particular focus on Pell Grant-eligible students. Ensuring that students have reliable access to nutritious food is essential to their academic success and overall well-being.

We also addressed the concerning rollback of child labor protections enacted last year, reaffirming our stance that protecting children must remain a top priority. In addition, we discussed bills aimed at reducing recidivism, supporting reentry initiatives, and improving outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Celebrating Children’s Week with Virtual Advocacy

Another exciting milestone this month was our participation in Children’s Week through the Virtual Florida Advocacy Days Training—an event we have proudly co-hosted for years in partnership with the 11th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and the Florida Conference United Methodist Church.

This year, our training went virtual once again, allowing us to bring together powerful voices in advocacy and policy:

• Poverty Solutions led a dynamic session on Transforming Direct Service into Advocacy
• Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) provided actionable strategies for advocating for the Summer Feeding Program
• Florida Policy Institute highlighted the importance of safety net programs and the dangers of recent child labor law changes
• Hope Partnership shared a moving presentation on Faith-Based Responses to Hunger and Homelessness
• Bread for the World closed out the panel portion with a call to action on strengthening federal nutrition programs

The event concluded with an inspiring message from Reverend Austin, who reminded all of us to stay the course and remain hopeful.

We’re deeply grateful to all who participated in these important conversations and training. Your voices matter—and together, we continue to move Florida forward.

Bringing Stories to Life at Storybook Village

One of the most magical parts of Children’s Week is Storybook Village—a day where books come to life for young children through creativity, play, and imagination. The Capitol lawn was transformed into a wonderland of interactive booths, engaging activities, and celebrity guest readers, all designed to spark a love for reading and learning.

We were proud to take part in this inspiring event by sharing nutrition worksheets and gifting inspirational bracelets to remind each child just how amazing they are. It was a joy to see their faces light up as they engaged with the activities and explored the booths.

Farm Share was also on hand, generously distributing fresh produce, while Feeding Florida treated visitors to a delicious and healthy fresh blueberry corn salsa at their booth.

Another heartwarming moment was seeing the “Celebration of Hands” display in the Capitol Rotunda—a visual tribute to children across the state. We were thrilled to have 26 entries featured from our very own Nutri Kids Club at Eccleston Elementary and our GEMS pilot program in Tampa. Seeing our students' creativity on display in such a meaningful way was a true highlight.

We also took this opportunity to welcome our newest intern, Myriam, who joined us for the event and jumped right into the spirit of advocacy and celebration.

A Capitol Experience to Remember: GEMS Teen Day

The most rewarding part of Children’s Week for us was bringing our incredible GEMS students to the Capitol for an unforgettable day of learning, advocacy, and inspiration.

As part of Teen Day at the Capitol, our students had the opportunity to hear directly from professionals in the legislative space who shared insights on how to navigate advocacy and use their voices for change. It was an empowering experience that helped them see themselves as future leaders and changemakers.

They also participated in a scavenger hunt through the Historic Senate Building, giving them a fun and interactive way to connect with Florida’s rich legislative history.

One of the most meaningful moments was when the students had the chance to meet with Representative Anna Eskamani and Representative Bruce Antone, who represent their home districts. These conversations brought the legislative process to life in a real and personal way, reinforcing the importance of civic engagement and community representation.

In an inspiring turn of events, the students also witnessed their peers in action during a peaceful protest at the Capitol, giving them a firsthand look at youth-led advocacy in motion. They even got to step into the House gallery and observe lawmakers voting live, offering a rare glimpse into the legislative process as it unfolded.

To cap off an already amazing day, we visited the historic Florida A&M University (FAMU), where the students toured the campus and soaked in the rich legacy of one of the nation's premier HBCUs.

It was truly a day to remember—filled with discovery, connection, and empowerment.

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• Children’s Home Society
• Florida School Nutrition Association
• City of Miami Gardens
• Flipper Chapel
• Fat Brands
• MAZON A Jewish Response to Hunger American Heart Association  
• David Kimmel Foundation 
• DeBartolo Family Foundation Inc Enterprise Holdings Foundation Florida Conference United Methodist  
• FRAC - Food Research & Action
• Project Bread
• FL-GA District of the Lutheran Church of Missouri Synod 
• Popeyes Foundation 
• United Women in Faith- Florida
• Wawa Foundation 
• Women’s Missionary Society
• 11th Episcopal District of AME Church
• Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation
• Southeastern Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends