“I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits.”
In his 1964 acceptance speech of the Nobel Peace Prize, Martin Luther King Jr. highlighted the importance of ending hunger. For him, racial equality couldn’t be reached until poverty was eradicated and every person had enough to eat.
His Poor People’s Campaign in 1968 embodied his commitment to ending hunger, though the campaign lost traction after his assassination in the same year.
Even if King’s dream is unfinished, he left us a call to action in the form of service.
“Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?” he said.
Millions of people and thousands of organizations participate in Martin Luther King’s National Day of Service, from neighborhood clean-ups to organizing donation drives.
You can be a part of MLK’s legacy when you help feed hungry kids and their families, even during the pandemic. Volunteer with your local food bank, participate in virtual events or simply spread the word about school meals and say thanks to a hunger hero. Whatever you do, remember to follow the CDC guidelines for community events.
Check out what some No Kid Hungry partners are doing, and find out how you can get involved in your community.
Delivering emergency meals to families in Washington, D.C.
The Capital Area Food Bank invited select volunteers to celebrate their 41st anniversary by packing emergency boxes of healthy, shelf-stable food that will support 8,000 families for about five days. With your donations to No Kid Hungry, they have fed 600,000 people in their community during the pandemic.
Writing letters to neighbors living with hunger in New York
The Food Bank for New York City is hosting a virtual event inviting volunteers to write over 200 personal letters to New Yorkers in need, reminding them that they are not alone.
Reducing food waste and feeding families in Florida
Feeding South Florida is calling volunteers to sort, inspect and repackage rescued food donations to distribute to families in Pembroke Park, Fla.
Discussing systemic inequalities that drive hunger in Oregon
The Oregon Food Bank is hosting a virtual introduction to understanding systemic inequality and the steps we can take to address these challenges at their roots.
Ready to serve? Find opportunities in your community.
Can’t serve? Donate! The pandemic has put millions of children at risk of hunger. Your donations will support efforts nationwide to ensure every kid has the food they need to thrive during this crisis and beyond.
You can make a difference in their lives. Donate today.
