First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney is leading the First Chance Delaware initiative, which ensures that all of Delaware’s children have a “first chance” to succeed.

The initiative encourages public, private, non-profit, philanthropic, business entities and community partnerships that work to end childhood hunger by expanding access to nutritious food for low-income children. Additionally, the initiative promotes learning through literacy, health and parent-child engagement programs, and advances the recognition of and response to detrimental childhood experiences.

First Chance Delaware provides the opportunity to recognize and facilitate effective partnerships, share research and best practices, and promote awareness of collaborative opportunities to support children in Delaware.

“First Chance is not a new program. It is a framework, in coordination with the Family Services Cabinet Council, to promote a statewide culture of commitment to Delaware’s children. In advancing that culture, we recognize our shared interest, as well as our shared moral obligation, to give all children an opportunity to realize their potential – in learning, work, and citizenship,” Ms. Quillen Carney said.

The founding grant for First Chance Delaware was provided by Casey Family Programs, which will continue to provide operational support through Casey’s First Spouse Initiative program.

There are several active model partnerships throughout the state, including the Task Force to End Childhood Hunger, the first partnership to be recognized as a First Chance initiative. The Task Force consists of a team organized by the First Lady with representatives from the Food Bank of Delaware, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health and Social Services.