Why Supporting Hungry Kids Is So Important

One in four kids could face hunger today due to the impact of the coronavirus. This month, Merryfield is joining forces with our longtime partner, No Kid Hungry, to ensure all kids have the food they need to thrive by donating $1 for every receipt uploaded to the Merryfield app through 12/31/2020.

We connected with Diana Hovey, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for Share Our Strength, the organization behind the No Kid Hungry campaign, to learn why their work is more important now than ever and how you can help. 

Diana, what inspired you to join the No Kid Hungry campaign?

My relationship with the No Kid Hungry campaign started in 2008 when I was the Chief Marketing Officer for a large restaurant brand that partnered with No Kid Hungry to raise funds and awareness around this cause. After more than 30 years in the restaurant industry, I knew firsthand the importance of making sure everyone in our communities, but especially our kids, have the food they need to thrive. When I had the opportunity to join the team to help end childhood hunger, I couldn’t say no.  

Can you share any facts about childhood hunger in America that may surprise people?

Childhood hunger was already a crisis in this country before COVID-19, but unfortunately the pandemic has only made it worse. One in four kids could face hunger today because of it. That’s nearly double the rate before the pandemic struck. We also know that the numbers are worse among Black and Latino families. 47 percent of American families are living with hunger during the pandemic, but for Black families that number is 53 percent and for Latino families it’s 56 percent.  

How is No Kid Hungry working to end childhood hunger in the US?

The good news here is that childhood hunger has a solution, and at No Kid Hungry we’ve been doing this work for a decade. Through a combination of emergency grants, strategic assistance, advocacy and awareness, we’re helping kids, families and communities get the resources they need.

How can people help end childhood hunger in the United States?

We believe that everyone can play a role in ending childhood hunger! Donate, speak up for kids by writing or calling your elected officials, or fundraise in your community. You can learn more about all the ways to support our work at NoKidHungry.org. 

This December, join Merryfield in giving back to No Kid Hungry by uploading your receipt featuring any of our better-for-you brands now through 12/31/20. Thank you for joining us as we work together to make sure that no kid in America goes hungry.