I’m psyched to see The Hunger Games tonight, and even more psyched that the books’ and film’s success are being leveraged to raise awareness about hunger issues and make a philanthropic dent. I imagine that it will engage a whole new demographic of fans that otherwise might not participate in hunger causes. Here’s more info:
Feeding America has teamed up with the stars of the hit book trilogy turned movie “The Hunger Games” to put an end to world hunger. Check out the above PSA with Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson asking for YOUR help to feed America.
Hunger is the world’s greatest solvable problem, affecting 1 in 7 people - almost one billion men, women and children around the world. In the United States, 1 in 6 Americans face hunger, nearly 49 million people. For just $5 a month, Feeding America and WFP can help provide at least 20 meals to a child in need.
The Hunger Games partnership will engage fans of the book and movie and enable them to make a difference through a website, wfp.org/hungergames. On the website you can watch the public service announcement, participate in a Hunger Quiz to learn more about hunger and also make a donation to actively become a part of the solution and help solve world hunger.
(via hautecharity)
Atlantic Avenue Subway Station
I know graffiti is “just graffiti” and I shouldn’t read into it, but I did. I generally agree with the sentiment here (access to affordable, healthy food should be human right, especially according to the values on which our country was founded), but don’t think it accomplishes anything. Clearly, the intended audience is the government (unclear if it’s federal or state), and someone doesn’t like the inequity between rich people and poor people as status specifically relates to food. This just doesn’t sound productive though; it sounds spiteful and reminds me of an uninformed bumper sticker. Also, who’s even seeing this statement? Was it written out of sadness? Anger? Boredom? Does the door ironically lead to a hidden vault of unspent government money? (Ha!)
My only point with posting this is that even though I’m questioning its original intent and effectiveness, it still made me think, which it might make you do, too. And maybe just maybe, one of my readers, or your readers or friends, will find some use for it to change attitudes or policy, and therefore do what no other single statement catalyst has helped our country to do.
You just never know.
Sesame Street teaches about hunger
Sesame Street has a new muppet who is hungry for more than just cookies.
The iconic kids show is set to unveil a new impoverished puppet named Lily, whose family faces an ongoing struggle with hunger issues. Lily will be revealed in a one-hour Sesame Street primetime special, Growing Hope Against Hunger, which is being sponsored by Walmart. The special will star country singer Brad Paisley and his wife Kimberly Williams Paisley, as well as the Sesame Street Muppets.
“Food insecurity is a growing and difficult issue for adults to discuss, much less children,” said the Paisleys in a statement. “We are honored that Sesame Street, with its long history of tackling difficult issues with sensitivity, caring and warmth asked us to be a part of this important project.”
The special will share the stories of real-life families to raise awareness of hunger issues in the United States, as well as strategies that have helped these families find food. The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that 17 million American children — nearly 1 in 4 — have limited or uncertain access to affordable and nutritious food. Walmart is sponsoring the show as part of a $1.5 million grant toward the initiative and holding screenings in select communities.
The special is set to air nationwide on Oct. 9.
(Source: http://insidetv.ew.com)
I hope it’s all done tastefully with minimal negative impact. Already not crazy about some of the coverage headlines though.
Being kind can get you... arrested? Yep.
Why don’t cities spend more money making sure everyone, including homeless folks, had food, clothing, and shelter and less money on arresting people trying to help?
Posts to keep you entertained, thinking, sharing, and discussing. I blog across subject areas because there's a lot of interesting stuff out there; why limit our conversation?
