Yesterday, supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s election win. In a terrifying series of events, the terrorists used violence, symbols of white supremacy and antisemitism, and other forms of hate and intimidation to try to undermine our nation’s democracy. 

As we process yesterday’s events together, FoodCorps staff members are sharing stories of how their children are responding. We’ve heard about kids getting overwhelmed by the news on TV, being afraid of tear gas, and asking fearful questions about what’s happening. FoodCorps envisions a future in which every child has a vibrant, positive relationship with healthy food and an equitable path for success. We cannot achieve this goal when our democracy is threatened. Kids’ health is about more than what they eat—it’s also about their mental health, safety, and environment. 

We unequivocally condemn all violence, but especially when that violence is incited by President Trump and his allies, who hold the highest elected offices in our nation—all people who swore an oath to uphold and protect the U.S. Constitution. It bears repeating that we also condemn the law enforcement practices that enforce double standards against Black, Indigenous, and people of color, and the racial profiling and systemic discrimination that have enacted violence against and criminalized these communities.

Our kids are watching. We must show them that we stand together against this attack on our democracy. We join our partners and communities in continuing the urgent work to build a more just future.