Episode 118: How Do We Fix Childhood Hunger & Strengthen Families at the Same Time? | PowerWomen

Episode 118: How Do We Fix Childhood Hunger & Strengthen Families at the Same Time? | PowerWomen

From PowerWomen: Conversations with Powerful Women about moving the Pendulum! by Claire Brown & Gayatri Agnew

February 24, 2026 · 33 min · Episode 118

About this episode

The episode discusses childhood hunger and family instability with advocate Keesa Smith-Brantley, exploring structural issues and community-driven solutions.

In this powerful episode of the PowerWomen Podcast , co-hosts Claire Brown and Gayatri Richardson sit down with advocate and change-maker Keesa Smith-Brantley for a deeply honest conversation about childhood hunger, family instability, and systems that were never designed to support working families. Keesa shares what she's seeing on the front lines—from food insecurity affecting 1 in 4 children to the impossible choices parents are forced to make between rent, nutrition, and healthcare. Together, the women unpack why hunger is not a personal failure, but a structural issue—and what practical, community-driven solutions could actually work. This episode explores: • Why working families are still struggling to eat • How poverty fuels long-term health crises • The broken systems behind food deserts • Why local farms and schools could be part of the solution • How advocacy, policy, and compassion intersect If you care about children, families, equity, or creating real change—not just talking about it—this episode will move you to think differently and act boldly. ✨ Listen, share, and be part of the solution. Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families: https://www.aradvocates.org/…

People in this episode

Hosts: Claire Brown, Gayatri Richardson

Guest: Keesa Smith-Brantley

Topics covered

  • childhood hunger
  • family instability
  • food insecurity
  • working families
  • community-driven solutions
  • advocacy
  • policy

Keywords

  • childhood hunger
  • food insecurity
  • working families
  • advocacy
  • community solutions
  • health crises
  • food deserts

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, Giving Birth In America, PowerWomen

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