Henning Inc. And Juanita Strong Forever Project Work Together to Fight Childhood Hunger

Henning Inc and Juanita Strong Forever Project applaud Representative Maxine Dibert’s House Bill 12. 

Anchorage: Today, Henning Inc. and Juanita Strong Forever Project share their excitement and support for House Bill 12 which was prefiled by Representative Maxine Dibert for the 34th legislative session. The bill, if passed, will require school districts to provide breakfast and lunch to students who request a meal, at no cost to the student. The state will appropriate adequate funding to school districts across the state through utilizing available federal financial assistance. 

This is step forward to ending childhood hunger and will work simultaneously with Rocket Fuel, a supplemental nutrition program for Title One elementary schools in Anchorage. A partnership between both Henning Inc. and Juanita Strong Forever Project, the program launched in September 2024 at Fairview Elementary, providing weekend meals to 50 students. Now, the program feeds 300 students across six elementary schools in the municipality.  

Food insecurity is connected to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), where one in four children in food insecure homes are exposed to three or more ACEs. By increasing access to food at school and at home with Rocket Fuel, we’re tackling a root cause of experiencing and/or perpetuating violence, substance misuse, mental health disorder, and other behavioral health issues in Alaska.  

“We know that when children aren’t hungry, they perform better in school, and that’s why we’re fueling the future with Rocket Fuel and fully support House Bill 12,” said Henning Inc. Executive Director Shawn Hays. “The feedback from principals and school nurses has been overwhelmingly positive. Students who receive Rocket Fuel bags are not only improving academically but are also more eager and excited to attend school, showing the profound impact proper nutrition has on their overall well-being and engagement.” 

“Rocket Fuel is another way we’re walking alongside those in our community who need extra support,” stated Henning Inc. Deputy Executive Director Crystal Abbott. “By providing meals and snacks for elementary-aged children, we’re helping set them up for success and paving the way for a brighter future for our community's youth. Ensuring they have the nutrition they need not only supports their immediate well-being but also fosters their long-term health, education, and overall development, creating a stronger, more resilient community for years to come.” 

“Our Rocket Fuel program is a vital step in bridging the gap for at-risk youth in Anchorage,” said Erica Taylor, Executive Director of the Juanita Strong Forever Project. “By addressing childhood hunger, we’re not just filling stomachs—we're fueling positive and healthy futures. Ensuring that at-risk youth have access to nutritious food through Rocket Fuel is essential for their growth, development, and the ability to thrive. This initiative aligns with our mission to provide mentorship and support, empowering these young individuals to overcome challenges and build a brighter future.” 

“Studies indicate a strong link between food insecurity and adverse childhood experiences,” explained Juanita Strong Forever Project Deputy Executive Director Shayla Freirich. “If House Bill 12 is passed, it will work together with our Rocket Fuel program to reduce childhood hunger and, in turn, lessen the negative effects of adverse childhood experiences, promoting healthier futures for at-risk youth.” 

For more information about Rocket Fuel, visit www.henninginc.org/rocket-fuel. 

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Rocket Fuel was created by two mothers who saw a growing need in the community: children falling behind due to inadequate nutrition. Rocket Fuel is a supplemental nutrition program for Title One elementary schools in Anchorage, providing meals and snacks for weekends and scheduled breaks.