Sunday, October 9 at 7 p.m., WSRE presents “Growing Hope Against Hunger,” a program by Sesame Workshop featuring Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams Paisley and the Sesame Street Muppets. This one-hour special raises awareness of the widespread issue of hunger in the United States. It provides simple, empowering strategies to families who aren’t sure where their next meal will come from — and to others who want to help.
Locally, WSRE is providing shopping lists, family tip sheets, strategies to help stretch a dollar and available resources for families with children who struggle with hunger — all available for download from its website at http://www.wsre.org/growing-hope.asp.
“Growing Hope Against Hunger” speaks to both children and adults with a story that celebrates the importance of community as everyone works to help one another — including Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams Paisley and their Sesame Street friends, Rosita, Grover and Bert. Our Sesame friends are collecting foods at a food drive and a community garden and meet Lily, a new character whose family has an ongoing struggle with hunger. Together, Lily’s family finds strength in helping others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Through animations and songs, the Sesame characters understand what Lily is going through and how their simple actions, such as planting a seed, can make a world of difference. Finally, documentary stories present children’s perspectives on food insecurity and illuminate the impact hunger has on families.
No matter what the viewers’ experiences with food are, the special reassures children that they are not alone: There are people who care and can help. Emphasizing the importance of togetherness, the special motivates all children to help others, whether through friendship or by giving through family activities. Adults, by hearing children’s voices and stories, will find age-appropriate ways to talk to children about sensitive issues related to food. The special also aims to reduce stigma related to food insecurity, empowering adults to serve as resources to others and build hope in their communities.
The Need
The struggle with hunger exists close to home, affecting our neighbors, friends, and families. The USDA estimates that 17 million American children — nearly 1 in 4 — are food insecure, meaning that they have limited or uncertain access to affordable and nutritious food. Of these children, more than half (9.6 million) are under the age of six.
Despite these overwhelming statistics, hunger is still an invisible crisis in the United States. The need for resources to educate and mobilize those at risk is substantial and growing. With a deeper understanding of this issue, families and communities can work together to help their loved ones create a positive and healthy future.
