The Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship is a year-long program that places fellows in both community-based and policy-oriented positions to address hunger and poverty across the United States. The program, managed by the Congressional Hunger Center, offers recent graduates and early-career professionals the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in food security and anti-poverty initiatives. Fellows work with a wide range of host organizations, including food banks, advocacy organizations, policy think tanks, and government agencies.

The fellowship consists of two phases. The first phase places fellows in field positions from September to February, where they collaborate with local organizations on community-focused projects, such as direct service, data gathering, or local advocacy initiatives. The second phase, from February to July, shifts fellows to national-level policy placements, where they engage in research, advocacy, and policy development on hunger and poverty issues.

Selected fellows receive comprehensive training, including an initial orientation covering the history and root causes of hunger and poverty in the U.S., a midfield retreat for reflection and peer learning, and an intensive policy training event. These sessions help fellows develop leadership skills and create a strong cohort community that encourages mutual support and learning. Fellows benefit from an extensive professional network, a minimum financial package of $48,000 based on living costs, and access to graduate school partnerships offering tuition discounts for advanced studies.

Applications open on October 17, 2024, and are due by January 17, 2025. The process includes a resume, personal statement, and responses to short essay questions. Selected candidates progress through group and individual interviews, with final notifications made by March-May 2025. Fellows are expected to cover their own health insurance and taxes, as they are independent contractors, not employees of the Hunger Center.

This fellowship offers a pathway into careers in the nonprofit sector, public policy, and social justice fields, providing alumni with lifelong connections, professional growth, and a meaningful role in combating hunger and poverty across the U.S.