Black Panther Party & Food Justice

 The Black Panther Party was a revolutionary political organization that fought against racial oppression and economic exploitation in the United States. One of their initiatives was the Free Breakfast for Children Program, which provided nutritious meals to low-income students who faced hunger and poverty. The program was also a way of raising awareness about food injustice and challenging the state’s neglect of marginalized communities.

The Free Breakfast for Children Program was a nationwide initiative that served free and nutritious meals to low-income students before school. The program started in Oakland, California in January 1969 and spread to over 40 cities by 1971. The program not only addressed the issue of hunger among children, but also served as a platform for political education and community empowerment. The program inspired other social movements and influenced the federal government to expand its school breakfast program.

The Free Breakfast for Children Program faced many challenges and obstacles from the authorities, who saw it as a threat to their power and legitimacy. The FBI targeted the program with surveillance, harassment, raids and arrests. The program also suffered from a lack of resources and funding as the Black Panther Party struggled to maintain its other social programs. By the late 1980s, the program had been discontinued along with most of the Black Panther Party’s activities. However, some schools still offer free breakfasts to students today thanks to a federal waiver.

Learn more about the Free Breakfast for Children program.

Learn more about the disbandment of Black Panther Party.

Learn more about the impact of their program and how its effects are felt today.