US President Joe Biden surprised attendees at the hunger conference held inside the White House by asking a surprising question about Jackie Walorski, a Republican congresswoman who had died in August, and whether she might be in the audience that day.
“Jackie, are you here? Where’s Jackie? She was supposed to be here,” said the 79-year-old Democratic president in a moment that drew reactions from those in the room and sparked quick chatter about the late representative’s legacy and the ongoing conversation about hunger policy.
The conference, hosted in the nation’s capital, highlighted bipartisan efforts to address hunger and food insecurity. A prominent theme was a bipartisan bill designed to accelerate actions toward reducing hunger across the United States, with the aim of mobilizing resources and policy changes to meet ambitious targets set for 2030. In the crowd, policymakers and advocates listened as leaders framed hunger relief as a national priority and a shared responsibility that transcends partisanship.
In recent weeks, nearly $8 billion in funding commitments were highlighted as part of a broader push to eradicate hunger. The emphasis was on actionable programs, improved nutrition access, and stronger collaboration between federal agencies, state governments, and community organizations to ensure that families have reliable access to food and essential services while building resilience against future shocks.
White House spokespeople noted the president and first lady Jill Biden had released a joint statement earlier in August recognizing Walorski’s work and the collaborative relationship that formed the basis of ongoing policy discussions. The statement celebrated Walorski’s commitment to constituents and her role in shaping bipartisan discussions on domestic priorities, including hunger relief and nutrition security.
During remarks on the day, a White House spokesperson underscored the conference’s core objective: to strengthen food security and implement concrete steps to curb hunger by 2030. The speaker emphasized the seriousness with which the administration approaches this challenge, noting a plan that involves both immediate actions and long-term strategies, with continued engagement from lawmakers, advocates, and communities most affected by food insecurity.
Earlier in the month, Biden appeared on a high-profile interview where questions were raised about his age and his readiness to continue serving in the presidency. When pressed about concerns regarding his fitness for office, he offered a confident response, highlighting his ongoing energy and readiness to lead. He asserted that he remains capable and free from any physical or mental conditions that would hinder his ability to perform the duties of the presidency.