The inaugural episode of "From the Recliner Podcast" confronts an unconscionable reality in modern America: children are going hungry in the world's wealthiest nation. Host Tyler delivers a raw, passionate examination of how, despite our immense national resources, we've allowed hunger to return to our classrooms at alarming rates.

With righteous anger and a father's perspective, Tyler breaks down recent reporting showing how teachers across the country are witnessing students arrive at school hungry again—a stark contrast to the pandemic era when expanded SNAP benefits and universal free school meals successfully reduced child hunger nationwide. These temporary solutions proved effective, yet were dismantled, leaving vulnerable children to suffer the consequences.

The podcast takes listeners through heart-wrenching examples of educators becoming the last line of defense—keeping crackers in desk drawers, discretely slipping food into backpacks, and watching as hungry students struggle to concentrate through hunger-induced headaches. But this isn't just a story about suffering; it's a call to recognize that feeding children isn't partisan politics—it's basic human decency and sound economic policy.

States like California, Maine, and Minnesota have already implemented universal school meal programs with remarkable results: improved attendance, better academic performance, and children who can finally focus on learning rather than their empty stomachs. Tyler challenges listeners to reject the false choice between fiscal responsibility and feeding hungry kids, emphasizing that "charity is not a substitute for policy." Call your representatives, support local food security initiatives, and most importantly, refuse to look away from this solvable crisis. As Tyler puts it: "Don't get numb, don't get quiet, and don't get used to this. Get angry, get organized, and stay in the fight."

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Follow Tyler on Bluesky at @tylerwoodward.com 🦋