For millions of families across the country, putting food on the table is a daily struggle—and protein is often the missing piece. That’s why a non-profit organization called HATCH for Hunger is stepping in to help close that nutrition gap and deliver much-needed support to those who need it most.
“In food banks across the country, there is a protein gap estimated to be at roughly 800 million pounds. That means that while families may be getting the caloric volume that they require, they’re not always getting the nutrients,” says Hannah Kruger-Burton, Director of Marketing and Communications with HATCH for Hunger—which is based in Carmel, Indiana.
She says they’ve recently teamed up with the American Egg Board for “The Great American Egg Drive.”—delivering over 10 million eggs to more than 20 food banks in 15 different markets coast-to-coast.
The egg donation drive was heavily supported by several Indiana egg producers—including MPS Egg Farms in North Manchester, Wabash Valley Eggs in Dubois, and Rose Acre Farms in Seymour.
In addition, the American Egg Board has recently announced a $1 million farmer-funded investment to expand egg-based breakfast options in schools across the country in order to bring much-needed protein to as many children as possible.
“That is protein that could be supporting brain health and muscle health—it could be supporting the development of children. It could be the difference between a passed test or a nailed job interview, and that is a fight that we are trying to help solve,” she says.
As food insecurity persists in one of the world’s wealthiest nations, efforts like those led by HATCH for Hunger and its partners underscore a growing recognition that filling stomachs is only part of the solution—ensuring access to nutrient-rich foods is just as critical. By mobilizing farmers, industry groups, and communities to close the nation’s protein gap, advocates say these initiatives are not only addressing immediate hunger, but also investing in the long-term health, development and opportunity of millions of Americans.
For more information, or to make your donation, visit HatchForHunger.com.
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