Breaking barriers: Together against hunger in Latino communities

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. | [Feeding America.]( [DONATE]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Sometimes it's hard to ask for help. That's something I've learned through years of working to help get people what they need to thrive. This Hispanic Heritage Month, I'm writing to share something else I've learned: accepting help is all about trust. Growing up in Brownsville, TX, as the daughter of Mexican immigrants, I saw the very real barriers that prevented my neighbors from getting the food they needed, just as they do for neighbors across the country‍—‍unemployment, low wages, and the high costs of housing and health care. All these challenges were made worse by systemic and discriminatory barriers. Today, we know that the Latino community is more than twice as likely to experience hunger compared to non-Hispanic white communities. Earlier this year, Feeding America brought together [more than one hundred community members who have experienced hunger]( to meet with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. and tell their stories in their own words—because the people who know best how to end hunger are our neighbors within communities that face it every day. I heard from Jovita Morales, who worked to change the law in Minnesota so undocumented immigrants can get driver's licenses. Having a license can give people access to jobs, benefits, and ultimately, food. That's exactly the kind of policy change that can get us closer to ending hunger for good, for everyone. The work Jovita is doing takes dedication and a whole lot of trust. And like everything we aim to do at Feeding America, it centers the people who are most affected every step of the way. I'm excited to continue lifting up the voices of our Latino neighbors facing hunger, and addressing food insecurities through race and place. I am proud to help bring the Latino community to the table, and I'm so proud that you're with us in this work, too. Thank you for all that you do. Atentamente, [Zuani Villarreal signature.] [Zuani Villarreal headshot.] Zuani Villarreal Director of Community Engagement Feeding America ‌ P.S. Read more about how Feeding America is working with the Latino community to address hunger and other challenges [here](. [facebook link]( [twitter link]( [instagram link]( [FeedingAmerica.org]( | [Donate Now]( | [Contact Us]( | [Privacy Policy]( | [Unsubscribe]( 161 North Clark Street, Suite 700 | Chicago, IL 60601 | 1-800-910-5524 © 2023 Feeding America