Hunger has become an unsettling reality for millions of Americans. The question of where the next meal will come from haunts many across the nation every day. Despite living in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, food insecurity plagues not only our cities but  our local communities alike. It's a crisis that demands our urgent attention and action.

Being an active member of my community that does my best to bring about change is important to me. For my Junior Service project las year I chose to volunteer at a local food pantry in Mount Kisco, NY. It wasn't until I volunteered at The Pantry that I realized how many families in my own community struggle with food insecurity. I couldn't believe that so many families really relied on The Pantry to feed their families each week. I realized then that without these organizations and the volunteers many people would go hungry and suffer from poor health. While volunteering at The Pantry, I was able to understand how much help is needed to make sure these families get the food they need. This realization instantly made me ask myself, “What could I do to help others?" I decided that I would focus my Junior and Senior Year Impact Project on helping the poor and marginalized.

The Facts About Hunger in America:

• 48 Million people experience food insecurity in the U.S., affecting their health and opportunities to thrive.
• 1 in 5 children may not be able to access the food they need to grow up strong.
• Over 50 million turned to food banks and pantries for help.

In order to help end food insecurity, I am calling on family, friends and members of our communities to TAKE ACTION !!

HERE ARE SOME WAYS YOU CAN TAKE ACTION:

• We need YOU to urge policymakers to make fighting hunger a priority and to enact meaningful legislation towards this end.  Click the link below to REACH OUT to members of Congress to request their support for the highest possible funding for international development and humanitarian assistance programs that save lives and reduce poverty in the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill.  https://www.crs.org/act/budget-hunger
• Local Food Pantries need your DONATIONS to end hunger in our community! Here is a link to The Pantry to  donate money: https://givebutter.com/donations-ad9q0x
•  Info on how to DONATE FOOD to The Pantry can be found here: https://thepantryny.org/donate-food-1
• Info on how to VOLUNTEER at The Pantry https://thepantry.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=111030

Join us in this fight  until everyone in our community knows where their next meal is coming from. Your signature can make a difference in the lives of millions.

Sign this petition today to vowing to TAKE ACTION to turn the tide against hunger across the nation!!!!!