Hunger Hits Home

I volunteer at our local food pantries and know first hand that we have a hunger problem in our communities.

Child hunger is an invisible problem. We don't always see the immediate physical effects that starvation has on children. But teachers can tell you how hunger affects kids in the classrooms. We've been told time and time again, that proper nutrition and getting enough to eat definitely impact a child's ability to focus and learn. Even though we can't (or don't want to) see it, child hunger is a very real problem not just in Third World countries, but in our own country - in our communities, neighborhoods, our backyards.

According to the US Department of Agriculture:

• 48.8 million Americans are food insecure - they don't get enough food to live active and healthy lives
• 16 million children, or 1 in 5 children across the country face hunger throughout the year.
• Food insecurity exists in 14.5% of all US households
• Food insecurity also exists in 35.1% of all single-mom households
• 40.2% of all households who live at or below the poverty line are food insecure

The Food Network will air a new documentary, "Hunger Hits Home," which takes a first-hand look at the childhood hunger crisis in America through the eyes of the parents, children, anti-hunger activists, educators and politicians. This film is part of an ongoing partnership between Food Network and Share our Strength's No Kid Hungry Campaign to end child hunger in America.

"Hunger Hits Home" airs on the Food Network on Saturday, April 14 at 8/7C.

You can make a difference. Here's how:

1. See it. Invite your friends and family to watch the documentary with you.
2. Share it. Tell everyone you know about the documentary and invite them to watch a trailer at Foodnetwork.com/hungry.
3. Support it. $1 can provide a child in need with up to 10 meals. Please make a donation to the No Kid Hungry Campaign. Sign the petition to help encourage your elected officials to support the essential child nutrition campaigns.

To make a donation and add your name to the petition, please visit Foodnetwork.com/hungry.

I want to make a difference. I will definitely be watching this important documentary. I hope you will too.