Lunch and Learn Policy Discussion Resources

ACNJ hosts monthly virtual policy discussions open to any parent, community member, or nonprofit in New Jersey.

Parent Policy Discussion Resources

Engage with other parents by attending monthly meetings highlighting different policy topics that impact children and families.

Check out recordings of our past meetings below.

Lunch and Learns Coming Up

Lunch and Learn meetings take place once a month on
a Wednesday @ 12PM via Zoom
Click here for a list of the webinars and to register.

Child Nutrition & School Meals

Presented by Lisa Pitz, Director of Hunger Free New Jersey

Missed our session on how voting shapes our daily lives? No problem! Join us to explore how child nutrition programs are fighting food insecurity, improving health, and boosting learning for NJ kids. Learn about the latest legislative changes and how you can get involved!

Click here to view the powerpoint presentation.

Wednesday, November 20th

Civics 101: Why Voting Matters

Presented by Shadaya Bennett, ACNJ Senior Legislative Analyst

Missed our session on how voting shapes our daily lives? No problem! Join us to explore the U.S. government system and understand how elections translate into policies that impact our world, especially children’s well-being. Learn why your vote matters and gain the knowledge you need to be an informed and engaged citizen. Whether you’re a first-time voter or looking to refresh your civic knowledge, this experience will equip you to confidently exercise your right to vote.

Click here to view the powerpoint presentation.

Wednesday, October 16th

Get Out The Vote

Presented by New Jersey Division of Elections

Missed our Get Out The Vote Lunch and Learn? No problem! Watch Eric Kipnis from the New Jersey Division of Elections share valuable insights into voter registration, voting options, and what to expect at the polls. Whether you're a first-time voter or looking to refresh your knowledge, this recording has everything you need to confidently exercise your right to vote.

Click here to view the powerpoint presentation.

Wednesday, September 18th

NJ4S-Statewide Student Support Services

Presented by NJ4S - Directors

Learn how NJ4S hubs partner with communities to provide support services that promote positive mental health wellness among youth and address the mental health needs of students, educators and school staff.

Wednesday, August 7th

Addressing Perinatal Maternal Mental Health

Presented by Lauraine Jondoh, MPA
Perinatal Mental Health Coordinator at the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey

Wednesday, June 12th

Breastfeeding Policies in New Jersey

"Breastfeeding Rights and Lactation Policies in New Jersey," presented by Ellen Maughan, JD, IBCLC of the New Jersey Breastfeeding Coalition.

Breastfeeding policies covered in this presentation include:

  • Breastfeeding in public
  • Lactation support in maternity hospitals
  • Insurance/Medicaid coverage for lactation support and breast pumps
  • Pumping rights in the workplace
  • Lactation in child care settings
  • Private insurance and Medicaid coverage of donor human milk

Oral Health

February is National Children's Dental Health Month and oral health is the gateway to total health and well-being. Dr. Michal Herman, DDS, Chief Operating Officer for the KinderSmile Foundation speaks on  oral health for children and families, as well as disparities in access to oral health care

Child Tax Credit

ACNJ hosted a Lunch and Learn on New Jersey's Child Tax Credit. Find out who is eligible and how to claim your tax credit.

Budget Advocacy

Learn how you can advocate in NJ's upcoming state budget process.

Early Relational Health

Much like physical development, the ability to interact socially and regulate emotions is critical to the development of young children, even as babies. This is sometimes referred to as infant mental health or early relational health. Join our lunch and learn as we discuss to impact of fostering healthy relationships among young children.

ConnectingNJ Programs

Advocates learned about the programs of the ConnectingNJ hub, which connects New Jersey families with health and social resources available in their local community such as FamilyCare, community doulas, and home visiting programs.

Diaper Need in New Jersey

Advocates learned about and discussed the diaper need in New Jersey, with a presentation from the Central Jersey Diaper Bank.

Preschool Expansion

This discussion centers around the role parents play to make sure eligible districts apply for funds to bring public preschool to their communities.

Early Intervention

Early intervention is a statewide system of supports and services for families and their children birth to age three with developmental delays or disabilities. It is individualized to the family’s concerns, priorities and resources related to their child’s development.

NJ FamilyCare

NJ FamilyCare is a federal and state-funded health insurance program created to help qualified New Jersey residents of any age access to affordable health insurance. Governor Murphy passed the Cover All Kids bill in March 2021 in order to ensure all children have access to healthcare.

NJ Child Tax Credit

The child tax credit has contributed to the decline in child poverty, yet many families are still not claiming it. New Jersey Policy Perspective senior policy analyst Peter Chen explains how the tax credit works, offers resources for federal and state 2022 filings, and provides feedback on tax credits and outreach to families.

Child Care

Child care is still in crisis. The pandemic has only worsened the obstacles that already existed, as costs continue to rise and centers shut down due to operating on razor-thin margins.

Maternal Health

Navigating the maternal experience can feel isolating. Melinated Moms founding president and CEO Jaye Wilson explores how maternal health awareness begins with each of us, and how it links to advocacy.

Home Visiting

Decades of research have demonstrated that evidence-based, voluntary home visiting services, provided by well-trained professionals during pregnancy and throughout a child’s first few years, can help mitigate the effects of poverty and adverse early childhood experiences that can negatively impact lifelong health.

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Sharing your story with decision-makers

Parents have testified before state legislators about parental leave, finding child care and the challenges of raising a baby in New Jersey.

View parent testimonies
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Raise your voices for babies at Strolling Thunder NJ

At this annual event parents have an opportunity to tell decision makers to make babies a high priority.

Learn what Strolling Thunder New Jersey is all about.
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Parent Leaders "In the News"Talking about their issues

With some support you can also amplify the issues that concern parents most. 

Read articles in which parent leaders have been featured.