Why have an expanded Child Tax Credit and universal free school meals both been stymied by Republicans in Congress? : Last week, for the first time in over half a century, the White House held the Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health, meant to catalyze action for the millions of Americans struggling with food insecurity, as well as mitigate diet-related diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. However, the problem of widespread childhood hunger and limited access to fresh food — especially amid pandemic-driven shortages and inflation — was top of mind for everyone in the room, President Joe Biden included.