Dear Lucas,
There's new science confirming what we already know -- childhood hunger has lifelong consequences for children.
This month, the American Academy of Pediatrics released its findings that toxic stress harms children for life, leaving them at higher risk for serious health problems. This particularly damaging stress emerges when a child "senses persistent threats but no protector" -- and one of the most urgent and prevalent causes of toxic stress is chronic hunger.
One out of every five children in America struggles with hunger. Many of these kids skip meals and suffer silently, too embarrassed to ask for help. And because children facing hunger often don't know when the next meal will come, hunger brings with it depression and anxiety. But something as simple as a healthy school breakfast every day or a summer program that provides breakfast and lunch when school is out, can make all the difference for these kids.
That's why we're committed to making No Kid Hungry, and why I hope you will renew your support today. Every $10 dollars you give represents 100 meals for a child facing hunger.
No one parent, teacher or local official can end the invisible pain and suffering that hunger brings. We all need to pitch in to connect kids to healthy, nutritious food where they live, learn and play. I urge you to give generously today and renew your commitment to ending childhood hunger.
Share Our Strength is working tirelessly to roll out breakfast programs in schools, teaching families how to cook healthy meals on tight budgets and recruiting government, business and local leaders to develop community-based strategies to battle childhood hunger head on. We're reaching tens of thousands of kids, but we rely on the generosity of supporters like you.
Are you with us in making sure every child in this country gets a chance to thrive and live a healthy life? With your help, we can prevent the lifelong consequences of chronic hunger. Please renew your support of Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry Campaign by making a generous gift now.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
Sincerely,
Billy Shore
Founder and CEO