WhyHunger has stayed true to its mission for going on 50 years, and always stays operationally lean as to maximize impact.
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As someone who has grown up with the organization and served on the Board for over 20 years, it would seem possible that I would no longer find the work so inspiring. On the contrary, WhyHunger continues to evolve and engage in ever expanding ways, while staying true to its core original mission. I am proud to be a regular spokesperson and advocate who has regular opportunities to spread the word about WhyHunger in my public life as a performer and activist. The real strength of WhyHunger is in our partnerships with regular people around the world creating a sustainable and just food system from the grassroots up.
From the moment I learned of their existence [formerly World Hunger Year] I knew I had to be a part of this group of dedicated people with a common purpose, the elimination of hunger and poverty and the exponential increase of self-reliance in food and educational outreach.
My Story getting here:
~ As I sat on the floor of my college gym in 1978 and heard Harry Chapin perform his concert, I was awestruck. Between songs, he spoke of the need to "Do Something when ever we can to make the obscenity of hunger vanish in our lifetime!" Through these words and the songs he sang, I was "hooked"!
When I finally arrived at their New York office in 1992 and began our relationship, it became a labor of love and a true shared experience - a mission now 22 years and counting.
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From my 1st day stuffing envelopes thru the many benefit concerts and soon, the upcoming annual radio / online fundraiser, Hungerthon 2014, I AM part of a great family. Not just with those I work with on events and programs but, with everyone who makes a difference by participating in WHY Hunger's ethos of commitment to this common goal. Those who give money, time, energy and talent. As well as moral and spiritual support which make our goal that much more attainable.
This is at the core of who this organization is and it started with the two men who inspired me to action - The co-founders, Bill Ayres and Harry Chapin!
Now coming into their 40th year of service, WHY Hunger's tree has many branches. With Grass Roots initiatives such as the recently launched online resource, Building Community Power: A Grassroots Approach to Building Regional Networks for Food Justice to championing the implementation of substantive governmental and global policy change to eliminate hunger to fostering steadfast relationships with socially active / highly visible public personalities through their "Artist Against Hunger and Poverty" and by partnering with Hard Rock Cafe International and Yoko Ono for the annual "Imagine There's No Hunger" campaign - both of which bring the message to the masses thru music that no effort is to small and everyone can make a difference.
I am grateful, committed and truly hopeful that more people will join in these efforts and continue to do what they can - whenever they can!
I'm honored to serve as a volunteer for this organization for over 15 years, The organization has changed to stay relevant, but the overall goal remains the same. You could not find a more dedicated staff, which is a major reason why over 90% of their donations go to the need and not administrative costs.
I first got involved with WhyHunger as a member in 1997 after I performed on a few fundraising concerts and was immediately taken with the mission and the people involved. Over these past 17 years I have felt proud on so many occasions when I see the work WhyHunger has done and the partners we have been involved with on so many food and poverty related issues. I cannot not say enough good things about WhyHunger.
I have been a Volunteer and contributor to WhyHunger for many years. I have watched as the organization has evolved and changed but never lost focus of the primary goal. I am proud to volunteer and to contribute to this stellar organization.
Mitch W.
I have volunteered with WhyHunger for over 20 years because WhyHunger is one of the most committed, dedicated and positive staff I've ever known. I especially admire WhyHunger's philosophy of re-investing in the people it helps. WhyHunger helps with the immediate needs of the poor and hungry, while working to get people out of the trappings of poverty. WhyHunger supports grassroots organizations, like soup kitchens with work skills programs, that enable people to become self-reliant. The WhyHunger staff are energetic, creative people who are always expanding our reach to innovative solutions to poverty and hunger.
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My direct involvement with World Hunger Year began about 16 years ago, when I began volunteering with the annual Hungerthon. I was impressed with the organization's commitment to investing in organizations that addressed the immediate needs of hunger and who also had programs, like work programs, to help people get out of the trappings of poverty....The volunteers and staff of World Hunger Year have an amazingly energetic enthusiasm for their work. I am proud and happy to be a small part of that energy.
I have been involved with WHYHunger for almost thirty years. A magnificent organization with the most dedicated staff.. they are always looking for new ways to support the promotion of self reliance.
Sad that we still have hunger... grateful that WhyHunger is here to address these complex issues.
What I like most about WhyHunger is the dedication i see in every member of their team. I volunteered to raise money for WhyHunger last year by running the marathon and creating a fund-raiser website. As technology advisors, we are impressed at how focused their technology investments are. Everything they do is focused on, how can we reach more people, more grass-roots hunger organizations, more policy people to ensure the effectiveness of their message and their efforts. One of our employees also volunteered for WhyHunger this year, during the Hungerthon. At all of these events, in every email, every meeting, every interaction with WhyHunger, we witness their dedication to the mission first hand. Four of my team members are contributing this year to another fundraising event (a golf outing, and I don't even golf!). I am quite willing look foolish, and much more, to help their mission. You could not choose a better place to donate, volunteer, give meaningfully, than WhyHunger. Count me and my team as lifetime advocates and fans!
WhyHunger asks the important question, why is there hunger and poverty in a wealthy nation? And then they inspire others to ask the same question and step forward with long term, sustainable solutions. Through their vast network and resources, WhyHunger helps small non-profits grow and maintain their community gardens.
I've had the pleasure of working with the team at WhyHunger for the past few years, and have found their compassion for the community and commitment to the cause to be both inspiring and impactful. Bill, Noreen, and the team have a clear vision for the organization and exhibit the on-going dedication needed to pursue and execute that vision. Although my role has been small -- I've held up signs outside of TV studios during Hungerthon, and helped their communications team optimize their online efforts -- it has been truly rewarding. Every small gesture, donation, or effort of support is a treated as a step forward in the war against hunger and poverty in our world. Thank you WhyHunger for providing a platform to serve.
One of the things that's always impressed me about WhyHunger is their dedication to do more than just apply a band-aid to the world's hunger and poverty issues. Instead, they've created an incredible support network to grassroots organizations around the globe that educates them on the latest developments in sustainable solutions, location of resources and most effective practices. They empower each of these organizations' leaders to them to change the lives and habits of people within their immediate communities.
WhyHunger is a great organization that fights hunger on a immediate and long-term basis. The National Hunger Hotline provides hungry people with direct sources of food everyday. WhyHunger's work with grassroot organizations ensures that people have healthy and nutritious food sources now and in the future. It is a nonprofit that strives to make a difference in the lives of millions of people worldwide when many of them have gone unnoticed by mainstream media and general public. WhyHunger shines a bright light on one of the most common problems that people worldwide face and for that, they are a leader in the fight against hunger.
WORLD HUNGER IS AN ORGANIZATION THAT STANDS BEHIND ITS MOTTO AND HELP PEOPLE WHO WOULD NOT OTHERWIISE RECEIVE SUCH HELP. THEY HAVE BEEN HELPING PEOPLE FOR A LONG TIME.
What I admire about the mission of WhyHunger is they're not only helping at the grassroots, but helping at the highest levels, attacking the policy and legislative issues of hunger and poverty, exposing the politics. What I admire about the people of WhyHunger is they are devoted to serving the needy, not their own egos. This is an organization that will not waste your time. I couldn't be more proud to have been working with them, pro bono, for seven years.
WhyHunger has flourished by sticking to their late founders message - "When in doubt, DO SOMETHING." WhyHunger not only spreads awareness of hunger in America, it enlightens individuals and organizations to do their part to alleviate hunger through healthy, eco-friendly, and economically sound practices. I had the pleasure of interning at WhyHunger in 2011 and have never been surrounded by more compassionate and forward-thinking individuals. They address every aspect of combating hunger and make connections that truly change lives. I grew so much in the short time I spent with WhyHunger and firmly believe that WhyHunger empowers individuals to get their hands dirty and 'Do Something.'
WHY has been helping people for over 3 decades. Their goal isn't to feed people, but to help people learn to feed themselves. Their grassroots efforts to educate the public about hunger, the causes, and the sustaining potential solutions are critical in today's world.
Why Hunger has been instrumental in formulating and guiding organzational efforts in the Mississippi Delta to develop and sustain practices for increasing access to fresh, healthy food. Brooke Smith has particularly invested a lot of time and energy in our state working with community-based organizations and leaders to strengthen their capacity to continue the work after Why Hunger brought all the stakeholders together initially.
WHY is an excellent and incredibly important organization that works on a grassroots level to address the root problem with hunger and poverty. They are a highly organized, efficient group of folks that understand you must approach the issue of hunger and poverty from across several different disciplines and with a wide array of tools -- an essential understanding of these intertwined issue. Each member of the staff I met during an event was passionate and committed, and most importantly, focused. Needless to say, they are performing some essential work, and doing a fantastic job as they do it.
Review from CharityNavigator
WHY is an organization of dedicated staff and volunteers working hard to find solutions for hunger and poverty in the world today. As a long time volunteer, I have met and spoken to msny of the recipients of the WHY's help and support and see the difference WHY has made in their lives. It is a really worthwhile organization.
WHY is a wonderful and very important organization who works on a grassroots level and has such far reaching effect on a fundamental issue that faces our country and the world.
I have been involved with WHY for 15 years as a volunteer and volunteer supervisor. It would be difficult to find an organization that has such a dedicated staff to do somuch with so little. Support is needed to build assistance programs and public awareness.
This organization is truly rooted in to many communities around the world. The dedicated staff truly cares about it's mission. WHY is a credible organization that I have been involved with since 1980. Very innovative and dedicated to serving those in need. Raising money through Hungerthon or promoting good work with the WHY Harry Chapin Media Awards - Great work by WHY! I trust that WHY will always do the right thing and that is why I dedicate my time to them.
Beneficial work for hungry people worldwide; innovative fundraising that targets in part young people through contemporary and legacy musical artists. Hungerthon another big event.
WHY is doing the type of work that needs to be done in this country -- and often falls through the cracks. They deserve to be recognized for their important contributions to the lives of so many people.
I first got involved with WHY as a member of the review committee for the Harry Chapin Hunger and Media Awards. I was honored when this unique organization asked me to join its board of directors, and since becoming a member 4 years ago, I have grown ever more impressed with its commitment and performance.
I've been involved with World Hunger Year for 28 years. For the first 3 years I was a volunteer - and then I was invited to join the staff. I never cease to be proud of the quality and body of work WHY does. It motives me each day to want to raise money to keep us moving forward. I am impressed by our international work, our national work - and most especially by our hunger hotline.
Working with WHY is nothing but a wonderful experience. They give us the channel to contribute and make sure we know how much that assistance is helping others. In a recent event we were able to see actual footage of the WHY's recipients and it made me wish for more hours to do more for them.
I was recently involved with WHY through the band that I work with and their involvement with the Hard Rock Cafe's IMAGINE THERE'S NO HUNGER program. We had an amazing opportunity to go and do two site visits at New York City urban farms last month. It was incredible to see what these communities were able to develop in the most unlikely of places such as an abandon lot or a space adjacent to a NYC subway stop. With the help of WHY these farms are providing so much to the community: wonderful fresh produce, work skills for teenagers, involvement of the whole community including preschoolers and seniors, and so much more. The team of people working at WHY are a great group of people and so dedicated and passionate about the work that they do. I really look forward to working with them again in the future and continuing to help support WHY and their amazing programs.
My experience working with WHY has been phenomenal. The team at WHY are very professional and very compassionate about their jobs. I have personally worked with WHY on three separate fundraisers over the past couple of years: July 2008 in conjunction with the Crosby Stills and Nash concert, July 2009 in conjunction with the Chicago and Earth Wind & Fire concert and then this past November in conjunction with Carlos Santana. We have been very appreciative of the relationships we have developed as a direct result of the introductions made to us through our partnership with WHY.
I have been involved with Would Hunger Year since about 1992. I have watched it grow and get better and more important every year. I was working when I first started, but have retired since. Once I heard that so many were without, mostly through what Harry Chapin talked about, it got me do do what I can. I work in a soup kitchen, feed people living at the train station and for a local food pantry. WHY had shown me that it was needed. It all goes back to World Hunger Year.
Supervisors Board Member since 1997 and a member of Artists Against Hunger and Poverty. I am, and always have been, very proud of my association with WHY as I am always impressed with their forward thinking in the battle against hunger and poverty and I have been impressed, and learned from, the financial prudence they exhibit in all areas of operation.
Volunteer since 1984 + Board Member since 1987 WHY is the leading organization creating & utilizin vital links to grassroot organizations and various governmental and private programs, in an effort to eliminate hunger and poverty using substantive networking and programatic work.
I was introduced to WHY this year and am still learning just how impactful this organization is making in the fight against hunger and poverty. The grassroots nature of WHY's focus is key in eradiciting world hunger. The Artists Against Hunger & Poverty arm of WHY is where I have been most involved and seeing musicians from all over the musical spectrum lend their voices and time to the cause has been awe inspiring. The “Imagine There’s No Hunger” and Hungerthon are great examples of how WHY and AAH&P are making a difference.
World Hunger Year and the Harry Chapin grants helped funded our gardening projects that have brought self-reliance to hundreds of people in Applachia Ohio. WHY is a great organization that really supports groups working at the grass roots level. The folks working at WHY have a huge heart for helping those who are hungry and in need. Thank you WHY for your support. Ronda Clark, Community Food Initiatives, Athens, Ohio
World Hunger Year has been a leader in the fight against hunger and poverty for decades, and an important resource for grassroots organizations empowering people to overcome the root causes of hunger and poverty. As a nonprofit tenants’ rights organization, we see daily the impact of paying rent on the quality and quantity of food people can afford. WHY’s work is critical in this struggle.
World Hunger Year provides critical support to small, grassroots organizations that are fighting hunger in creative ways. WHY supports long term solutions that bring about social change. My organization, Workers Interfaith Network, is a recipient of WHY's Harry Chapin Self-Reliance Award. Thanks to WHY's support, we're able to expand our work to ensure that low-wage workers are not cheated out of some of their wages by their employers.
Year after year, World Hunger Year helps fill in the cracks people fall through every hungry day. Every circumstance, every problem, every hungry person is unique, which is why WHY hears unique new ideas and implements them and passes them on for others to learn from, day after day. They're amazing. I've been doing charity concerts for them for 25 years. They make good ideas sing.