I’ve traveled to hundreds of inspiring destinations. I’ve seen a decadent amount of food. I’ve not gone hungry. I’ve also seen a disheartening number of hungry children in other countries, and yes, even in in the United States. If we don’t step up, who will? Hunger is Me. Hunger is All Of Us.
Childhood hunger in America
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That’s the reality. Childhood hunger happens in America. Know the facts….understanding the true reach of childhood hunger in America is the first step to confronting this crisis. I invite you to join me by shopping at your local Albertsons or Safeway, September 1-30, in support of the Hunger Is program, to raise awareness, engage volunteers and raise funds in support of our mission to eradicate childhood hunger in America. It’s that simple.
I have a confession. I remember being hungry when I was kid. Do you?
My parents did the best they could, but with 6 kids on one income, money was tight. We had meals on the tables, but as growing kids and teens, well, you know — kids seem to have a bottomless pit. Free school lunches were a blessing. A financial relief to my parents, and to me, those lunches filled my belly.
I thought we were the only family who needed help, and it was embarrassing to ask.
What I didn’t know was, that even back when I was a kid (not so long ago!), millions of other children were in the same shoes as me.
Flash forward a few decades, with my children now grown, and a few struggles as a single parent. Now my adult children have blessed me with my grandchildren, who are healthy.
I’m more determined to not let any child in America go hungry.
That’s why I’ve agreed to write about the Hunger Is program to bring more awareness to my friends, family and the world about childhood hunger — and to do something about it.
You all know me.
I am blessed with healthy children and grandchildren; none have gone hungry.
Know the Facts about Hunger in America
- 1 of every 5 children in America live in households without consistent access to adequate food.
- 21 million children rely on free or reduced-price lunches for their nutritional needs on an average school day.
- 11 million children receive free or reduced-price school breakfast.
- 47 percent of snap (supplemental nutrition assistance program) participants are under the age of 18 years.
- 3 out of 5 k-8 teachers say they regularly see students come to school hungry.
What Can You Do?
Go grocery shopping during the month of September and participate in the national “Hunger Is” campaign. When you’re shopping for your family at your local Albertsons Safeway family of stores, make a donation or purchase particpating products to help aid in the relief of childhood hunger in America.
Participating Brands/Products include:
- Con Agra – Marie Calender’s, Healthy Choice, Bertolli’s and PF Changs brands
- Coke
- Unilever
- Kellogg’s
- Campbell’s
VOLUNTEER!
Volunteer! This year, my multigenerational family — including my two grandchildren, ages 8 and 10, volunteered to “feed the hungry” at a local homeless shelter. It’s eye opening and perhaps the best lesson learned as a family — it can happen to anyone. All walks of life, all ages.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Albertsons Safeway . The opinions and text are all mine.
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