One in five children in the U.S. struggles with hunger. To illustrate the problem of childhood hunger beyond the staggering statistics, Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign today premiered “The Story of Hungry,” a short, animated film depicting the destructive forces of hunger.
Told through the eyes of a young girl, the film demonstrates the fear and pain hunger causes— and how something as simple as rethinking how school meals are served can change a child’s day, week and even his or her future.
“There are 16 million kids in America who struggle with hunger, and that’s 16 million too many,” said No Kid Hungry spokesperson and Academy Award-winner Jeff Bridges, who lends his voice to narration at the end of the film. “The No Kid Hungry campaign is working to end childhood hunger in America by making sure kids get the healthy food they need every day, so they can grow, learn, lead and create. By showing what it really feels like to be a child who can’t count on regular meals, we’re hoping to inspire others to join us in changing the story of childhood hunger in America.”
“The Story of Hungry” follows the impact having access to regular meals like school breakfast can have on kids struggling with hunger. According to a report from the No Kid Hungry campaign, students who eat breakfast score nearly 18 percent higher on tests and attend 1.5 more days of school each year, on average. However, of the more than 21 million low-income kids in the U.S. who rely on a free or reduced-price school lunch, only half are also getting a school breakfast. A variety of barriers affect participation in the School Breakfast Program, including transportation issues and the stigma associated with eating away from classmates.
By rethinking how breakfast is served – in the classroom or after the bell, for example – the No Kid Hungry campaign is working to ensure more kids start their day off right. Since Summer 2011, the No Kid Hungry campaign has helped schools serve 28 million more school breakfasts to kids in need.
“I believe in an America where no child sees or fears hunger,” said Rachael Ray, bestselling author, daytime show host and founder of the Yum-o! organization, which has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to support No Kid Hungry’s work surrounding school breakfast. “Along with my Yum-o! organization, I’m deeply committed to making sure kids have a healthy start in life, and connecting them to school breakfast is one of the most important ways that we can do that. Together, we’re going to change the story for kids facing hunger.”
Viewers can be part of the solution. Watch and share “The Story of Hungry” today, at StoryofHungry.org and start the conversation about how you can help end childhood hunger in your own community.
“Our organization was founded on the principle that everyone has a strength to share in the fight against hunger and poverty,” said Share Our Strength founder and CEO Billy Shore. “From a mom watching at home with her kids, to a global talent agency like CAA, television personality Rachael Ray and an Academy-Award-winning actor like Jeff Bridges, we need everyone’s help to make No Kid Hungry a reality in America.”
“The Story of Hungry” was conceptualized by the CAA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Creative Artists Agency, and was brought to life through the talents of Hornet Studios director Julia Potts, with contributions from music producer Justin Stanley, featuring the voices of Bess Frierson and No Kid Hungry national spokesperson and Academy Award-winner Jeff Bridges.
