Why I'm here... and why I'm glad you are, too

Let's talk about hunger in Black communities. | [Feeding America.]( [DONATE]( --------------------------------------------------------------- As the child of a Black woman and El Salvadoran immigrant, I saw from a young age how my family's communities faced challenges that others didn't have to deal with. I grew up knowing many around me were dealing with hunger. Black people in America are twice as likely to experience hunger in their lifetime than their white neighbors. There are a lot of reasons why: racism, low wages, discrimination at work, the closing of grocery stores in Black neighborhoods, to list a few. Three months ago, I took on a new role leading Feeding America's work engaging Black communities across the country. Black History Month is a chance to reflect on that work and take a deeper look at where we're headed, together. There are no simple solutions here, but one thing is very clear: to end hunger for everyone, we all need to work together. My dream is to stop hunger before it even starts. Here's where that path begins: - We need to listen to Black people and understand what makes it hard for them to get enough food. Nobody can tell us more about hunger in Black communities than people who have experienced it. [Read Feeding America's Elevating Voices report, based on conversations with Black neighbors and others facing hunger.]( - We need to push leaders in Congress to pass a Farm Bill that helps families facing hunger, including Black families. Critical funding for anti-hunger programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is at stake in the 2024 Farm Bill and could directly help support millions of our neighbors. You can learn more about the Farm Bill and take action [here](. - We need to learn from Black innovators—farmers, educators, community-builders, and more—doing the work to address hunger. From urban gardens to agriculture education to community kitchens, the tools to fight hunger are already out there, and Feeding America is providing direct support through the Food Security Equity Impact Fund. [Learn more about the fund and the incredible projects it supports.]( This is just the beginning. I am eager to see what Black neighbors and community leaders at the forefront of addressing hunger accomplish next. And I'm so proud that you're with us in this work. Thank you for all that you do. Sincerely, [David Street signature.] [David Street.] David Street Director, Community Engagement for Black Communities Feeding America [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 © 2024 Feeding America