Why I Work to Feed Hungry Children in America, Plus an All-American Meatloaf

Related To:

Melissa d'Arabian and Family

I spent most of my week in Washington, D.C., and North Carolina, supporting No Kid Hungry’s efforts to feed our nation’s children. I attended the No Kid Hungry Summit alongside thought leaders, corporations, foundation heads and some of the best chefs nationwide. I joined forces with many of them to spend a day on Capitol Hill, meeting with our legislators, and I hosted two Taste of the Nation events in D.C. and Charlotte. Phew! As I type, I’m sipping a strong cup of coffee (after a 3 a.m. wake-up call!), sitting on a plane headed home to San Diego.

Why would I spend nearly a week away from my family and take that kind of time off from my "regular" work?

My career is firmly centered in helping families create affordable and healthy meals, not because that’s marketable (although it is), but because families eating truly matters to me. On a personal level, I am a mom of four daughters, and nourishing them, with both my food and my parenting, is one of the most-important things I do. My kids matter to me, and I know deep in my soul that everyone’s children matter just as much. If hunger is happening to someone else's children, then I feel it in my own heart. I am a citizen of one of the world's wealthiest nations, and if there are children going to bed hungry tonight, then those kids are my kids too

I left my family behind this week because I myself received free lunch as a child. I know what it is like to be hungry in a classroom, and I know what it's like to have someone care enough to notice and find a way to fill my stomach with a warm, nutritious meal — fuel that enabled me to focus, become a high-performing student with a bright future in college, and go on to graduate school and then two great careers.

It takes a lot to get me on a plane to leave my family. But as long as I work in the food industry, as long as I am a mom and as long as I live in this great country of ours, then I will work to connect kids with food. As No Kid Hungry's co-founder Billy Shore often says, politics can be complicated, but feeding a child isn't.

When I think back to my own childhood, one of my favorite dishes was a simple American staple: meatloaf. So today I'm sharing with you my updated version of my childhood comfort-food fave: Meatloaf with Mustard and Sour Cream Gravy.

Next Up

How to Put Your Freezer to Work, Plus Frozen Meals Made Fresh

Learn how to safely freeze food, plus find Food Network Kitchens' easy recipes for kid-friendly dinners that can be made ahead, frozen and baked later.

All the 2022 Bath & Body Works Pumpkin Candles, Ranked

We sniffed all 19 of them to find you the best ones!

The One Condiment I Cook All Summer Long

Upgrade everything from burgers to pizza without breaking a sweat.

How I Celebrate My Asian American Heritage with a Big Bowl of Spaghetti

Distinct Filipino flavors punch up this humble comfort food recipe.

This Is the One Sheet Pan Meal I Make All Winter Long

It'll spice up your weeknights in just 30 minutes!

Guy and His Family Begin an Epic RV Adventure on All-American Road Trip

Tune in on Friday, June 3 at 9|8c to watch as Guy, Hunter, Ryder and Lori pack up the van and hit the road.

Why I Go Out of My Way to Buy All My Snacks at Aldi

Trust me, it's worth a second trip to the grocery store.

I Tried Almost All the New Menu Items Taco Bell Plans to Drop in 2024

The chain unveiled the exciting slate at its recent Live Mas Live event in Las Vegas.

All-American Eats

This weekend, cook up a spread of all-American eats to celebrate the 4th of July. Food Network's patriotic menu boasts hot dogs, potato salad and blueberry pie.