LaMonika Jones Tackles Hunger as a "Systems Problem" Across the Region

LaMonika Jones isn't just working to feed people; she's focused on changing the very systems that determine who eats and who goes hungry. As the Director of State Initiatives at the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), Jones oversees critical hunger solutions programs spanning Washington D.C., Maryland, and New Jersey, pushing for policy decisions that fundamentally improve food access.

Her approach is rooted in the belief that hunger is not simply a shortage problem, but a deeply embedded "systems problem." She argues that existing structures often become increasingly difficult for vulnerable populations to navigate, creating barriers to healthy, affordable food. This perspective guides her work away from direct food bank operations and towards advocating for comprehensive, systemic solutions at the policy level.

Jones's influence in the region has steadily grown. She was appointed as the new Director of D.C. Hunger Solutions, an initiative of FRAC, on September 11, 2023. This role placed her at the forefront of efforts to combat food insecurity in the nation's capital. Her commitment and leadership were further recognized on April 22, 2024, when she was named the interim director of Maryland Hunger Solutions, another vital FRAC initiative, while maintaining her directorship in D.C.

Prior to her leadership roles, Jones joined D.C. Hunger Solutions in September 2021 as an Anti-Hunger Program Analyst. In this capacity, she concentrated on Child Nutrition Programs, working to increase participation and improve benefits for initiatives like WIC, school meals, and summer, after-school, and childcare meals. Her work involved a blend of advocacy, research, and community engagement specifically within the District of Columbia, laying the groundwork for her subsequent advancements.

Her career in food equity and public service extends beyond the D.C. metropolitan area. Before her tenure with D.C. Hunger Solutions, Jones served as the Procurement and Purchasing Compliance Officer with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. In this role, she provided crucial technical assistance and oversight for providers participating in the Child and Adult Food Care Program and the Summer Food Service Program. She also contributed to the Georgia Farm to Early Care and Education Coalition as a Steering Committee member, focusing on integrating local food systems into early childcare and K-12 education.

Academically, Jones holds a B.A. in Political Science and Communication from Oakland University and an M.Ed. in Urban Teacher Leadership from Georgia State University. Her dedication to addressing racial marginalization and promoting racial equity in early childhood systems was further solidified through her participation as a 2021-2022 Equity Leaders Action Network (ELAN) Fellow. She also contributes her expertise as an Advisory Board Member for the National Farm to School Network, Co-Chair of the Fair Budget Coalition Food Access Issue Group, and Co-Chair of FRAC's Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee.

Upon her appointment as Director of D.C. Hunger Solutions, Luis Guardia, then President of the Food Research & Action Center, expressed optimism, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome LaMonika as the new Director of D.C. Hunger Solutions. This is a tremendous step forward for our organization and furthering our commitment to addressing food insecurity in D.C. Her knowledge of federal nutrition programs and passion for people will greatly benefit this role.” Jones herself conveyed her enthusiasm, remarking, “I am elated to take the helm of D.C. Hunger Solutions and continue working with local officials, advocates, organizational partners, and the community to continue striving to end hunger in Washington, D.C. I look forward to serving in this role and continue championing initiatives to ensure residents with low-incomes in Washington, D.C. have access to healthy and affordable food.”

Similarly, when she took on the interim role for Maryland Hunger Solutions, Kelly Horton, Interim President of FRAC, commended Jones, stating, “LaMonika’s passion and commitment to ending hunger in the region combined with her tenacious leadership will greatly benefit this role.” Jones reiterated her excitement, saying, “I am elated to be a part of the Maryland Hunger Solutions team. I look forward to working with my colleagues to champion initiatives to ensure residents with low-incomes all across the state have access to the resources they need to thrive.”

Jones consistently highlights the critical connection between hunger and health, advocating for a holistic approach to food insecurity. She has been quoted emphasizing, "What role does hunger play in the health of a community and in the health of a child and a mother? Addressing hunger is essential. Food is a basic human right. We can't do anything until we eat." She further elaborates on this foundational principle, stating, "Food being a basic human right and being one of the pillars of our life as humans, I always say food, safety, and shelter are the first three things we have to address before we begin to talk about other issues." Her advocacy includes universal school meals, noting that student hunger decreased during the pandemic when meals were universally free, underscoring the impact of accessibility. She also stresses the importance of early childhood nutrition, emphasizing that a child's nutritional journey begins prenatally and that consistent access to quality food from toddler years is crucial for overall health and development. She believes that "Access to food absolutely improves the overall health and well-being of individuals and allows them to navigate other areas of their lives."

A significant ongoing challenge in Jones's advocacy involves the ramifications of federal policy shifts, particularly those stemming from H.R. 1, a budget reconciliation law enacted in July 2025. This legislation introduces substantial new barriers for households experiencing food insecurity. Jones has highlighted the reinstatement of time limits tied to work requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility, which mandate 80 hours of work per month or lead to benefit loss after three months for many. Additionally, humanitarian eligibility changes under H.R. 1 mean that certain asylees and refugees who are not lawfully permanent residents are losing access to SNAP benefits. Further financial burdens are anticipated with cost-sharing changes set to begin in fiscal year 2028.

Jones’s work continues to be vital in navigating these complex policy landscapes and championing initiatives that ensure equitable access to healthy, affordable food for all residents in D.C., Maryland, and New Jersey. Her focus on systemic solutions underscores the ongoing fight to dismantle barriers and affirm food as a fundamental human right.