Eddie Longoria and Bill Ludwig
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services
Tell us a little bit about how you originally became involved with CHILDREN AT RISK?
Eddie: I became involved with Children At Risk through my work at the USDA. We have been partners on the expansion of the national school breakfast program in Texas and the implementation of breakfast after the bell.
Bill: I first heard about Children at Risk through one of our other partners, Texas Hunger Initiative. After that introduction, we got a call from them requesting an interview for the Growing Up in America radio program. Since then, we realized that we have common interests in making sure children have proper nutrition to grow up healthy. We have become partners in promoting school breakfast to school superintendents, and alternative serving methods to reach more kids, such as breakfast in the classroom. This is one of my top priorities.
What are your other activities or hobbies outside of USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)?
Eddie: I have coached both of my son’s in baseball, football, soccer and basketball. Because of coaching, I have been able to be a positive influence in the life’s of many young men in my community. I have always discussed the importance of healthy eating with all of my teams.
Bill: I’m a “chef”. I enjoy cooking BBQ, gumbo, crawfish and whole host of Cajun faire for family and friends. I also enjoy working on my family’s farm driving around on my tracker in northwest Louisiana.
What has been your favorite accomplishment in your work to better the lives of children?
Eddie: My favorite accomplishment has been overseeing all child nutrition programs for the USDA in the southwest region of the United States. This has given me the opportunity to make sure that children and adults have access to healthy foods.
Bill: I’m most proud of facilitating and building partnerships between state and federal partners, advocates, and community and faith-based groups to increase access to healthy meals for kids. Because I work with high-level federal and state officials, I can help bring influential parties to the table with passionate advocates. It takes support and hard work from all levels of society to make sure we provide nutrition assistance to those in need. The federal government cannot do the job alone.
As the end of summer approaches, can you please explain how the summer food program benefits children and their families?
Eddie: The summer food program gives children the opportunity to have access to a nutritious meal every day of the summer. Children can receive a free meal in a safe environment with some fun activities. Families can feel secure knowing that the children in their community are able to eat healthy meals while being in a safe, education friendly environment.
Bill: The majority of children who eat a free lunch during the school year don’t have that benefit during the summer break. FNS summer feeding programs helps families stretch their grocery dollars by providing one or two meals a day for children ages up to 18. For hungry, growing children, that’s a lot of grocery savings – especially if there are multiple children in the family. Summer meals help children by providing a nutritious meal they might not get otherwise. And well-fed children are better prepared mentally and physically to return to school ready to learn in the fall.
When you were a child, what did you dream you would be when you grew up?
Eddie: When I was a child I wanted to be a fire fighter so that I could help people if they where ever in danger.
Bill: As a child, I wanted to be a cowboy when I grew up. I still want to be one. The next time you see me look at my boots.
What is your favorite part of seeing the CHILDREN AT RISK mission in action?
Eddie: My favorite part of seeing Children At Risk’s mission in action is knowing that children have access to healthy meals and that there are organizations that truly care about the well being of children’s health.
Bill: My favorite part of Children at Risk’s mission in action is their support in helping me convince school superintendents of the importance of breakfast. Nutrition is an important component of a child’s overall well-being and a healthy breakfast gives students the fuel they need to be attentive and successful in school.
What is one reason someone should give their time, effort and support to children?
Eddie: Children are our future and we are depending on them to be healthy, positive contributors to our society. You will also have the opportunity in ensuring that our diabetes and obesity rate decline in the future.
Bill: Children are our future. We owe it to them to provide the best we can to help them be healthy and successful in life. Plus, they will be in charge of our world when we get old and need support!