There’s a song that Whitney Houston popularized called the “Greatest Love of All.” The lyrics: ‘I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way’ says everything there is to say about the young people across the country volunteering, advocating, and organizing fundraising efforts to help end hunger. Kids, not old enough to vote this November, aren’t waiting for us to solve the problem, they’re doing it in their free time, with food banks and pantries in their local neighborhoods in hopes of making a difference.
This September, during Hunger Action Month, we’re spotlighting a group of amazing kids who are taking action to end hunger across the country. From starting clubs, to selling arts and crafts, to advocating at a state and federal level, these inspiring kids are rolling up their sleeves and making change happen. Meet them below and click through to watch each tell their own story on video!
At the ripe old age of six, Franny (right) spotted a need then used her skills to offer a solution. “I want to make a difference,” she said. “I don’t want to just stand on the sidelines.” A virtual bake sale jump started her mission to join the movement to end hunger in America.
Benton has the uncanny ability to see the correlation between food insecurity and policy. At a young age, he decided to speak to lawmakers and question them directly about what they planned to do to help him and his neighbors tackle food insecurity. “Just because we’re young, we also have a voice and we want to be part of the fight,” he said. He is an advocate for himself and his community.
Grace started volunteering at a food pantry near her home when she was 10 years old. She was motivated to give back to the people that helped her family. “It was to say thanks to the amazing people at this organization,” she said. Now, Grace is an AmeriCorps member, working at her local food bank.
As a high school sophomore, Connor became a leader in the young people’s movement to end hunger. Joining forces with Feeding San Diego he started a club at his high school that raises awareness of hunger and helps schedule volunteer outings for his classmates at the food bank.
Sometimes, you’ve got to get crafty to end hunger. That’s exactly what 15-year-old Lily (right) and 14-year-old Ella (left) did. They started selling various arts and crafts, and then donated the proceeds to Feeding America and their local food bank.
Watch Lily and Ella tell their stories.
As a student, Arthur (pictured above holding a crate of apples) noticed that kids were throwing away some of their food at lunch. That drove him to research food waste and local food rescue efforts. From there he found his local food bank. Now, he leads a volunteer produce distribution, helping ensure his community has access to healthy food.
For more information on how you can join us, and kids across the country, in the movement to end hunger in America visit HungerActionMonth.org.