Where do we start?

I don't know.  It's the chicken and egg dilemma.   What comes first, what must be address first? Do we address hunger and it's significant impact on the ability to learn or do we focus on improving our deplorable education system?

In my opinion we must first set the child up for success.  Children must have the proper nutrition and be ready and able to learn, regardless.  Children from poor families receive less than 70% of the needed major nutrients. Sounds like my diet you say.  Perhaps, but you and I are big boys and girls, the little ones, the most venerable ones face increased risk for serious and costly health problems like anemia and impaired cognitive development.

Gee, if they can't afford food, do you think they can afford to go to the doctor?  If they seek medical services they will generally seek services at the emergency room where, because of government rules and funding, they are required to treat you regardless of your ability to pay.

Okay, whip out your calculators, time for a math test.  What cost more, a pound each of apples, green beans, carrots and chicken or a trip to the emergency room?  ( Enter Jeopardy theme music)  What is apples, beans carrots and chicken Alex!  

Ding, Ding Ding!!!!!  We have a winner!

If you and I, the creations that the elite leaders of our country consider us, can figure it out, why can't they.

We need to start cleaning house in the state and federal governments and find people that understand that it is cheaper in the long run to address the problem in the early stages rather later.

Remember the old Fram oil filter commercial, you can pay me now( for a few bucks) or pay me later( lots of bucks for the new engine).  Shouldn't we be funding oil filters instead of new engines.  Makes sense to me.