Hunger

VH1 Top 20 Celebs: Oprah Winfrey

Submitted by gweiner on Tue, 11/24/2009 - 16:40

Oprah Winfrey, the Queen of Giving, has donated over $300 million dollars to global charities.

Show Schedule

Tue 11.24, 5:00 PM
Thu 11.26, 11:00 AM
Tue 12.1, 11:00 AM
Mon 12.7, 5:00 PM
Fri 12.11, 5:00 PM
Wed 12.16, 12:00 AM
Wed 12.16, 5:00 PM

Submitted by bethjoconnell@g... on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 12:50

the problem:

The problems addressed by this project are vast and diverse. We are currently purchasing baskets and earrings made by Rwandan women struggling to provide or their families and reselling them in the United States to help them broaden their market and raise awareness of Rwandan issues In America. We hope to soon provide training to 25 more women in the village of Cyegera including how to make baskets and clothing as well as some marketing skills. This training program is the idea of the Rwandan women we currently work with.
Providing training and a means of income to these ladies addresses humanitarian issues including poverty, hunger, education, fallout of the genocide that occured in 1994, women's rights, and family planning. This project increases the chance of the children of these women to be educated and receive proper nutrition. It also encourages recycling and sustainability since the products are made from grass and recycling bean or rice bags. We also hope that empowering these ladies to use their own skills to provide for their families will inspire personal growth and empower them to greater progress.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

Mama Baskets is important to me because I know these women well and have seen both their sturggles and potential first hand. I have visited the village in which they live three times to date, one of these times being a ten-week stay in which I worked to address many community needs. These ladies are resourceful and kind women who have great potential if empowered and encouraged.

the plan of action:

The current plan of action is to continue purchasing and selling baskets and earrings and to find a funding source for the training project.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by visting our facebook page to purchase one of the items or by donating toward shipping costs or toward the training project.

project updates:

Submitted by acstelling on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 04:04

the problem:

Food Forward attacks issues of joblessness and nutrition-related health problems. Knowing how to cook directly affects long-term eating habits. 28% of adults do not know how to cook (Huffington Post), while US obesity will increase to 50%, 7,800,000 more people will have diabetes, and 6,800,000 more will have heart disease by 2030 (Columbia University). Additionally, USA has 8.5% unemployment, but a booming food and service industry:~8,000,000 jobs with projected increase through 2018 (USBL).

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

Vocational. Personal. Communal. Food Forward will partner with non-profits which work with specific populations (i.e. homeless, disadvantaged youth, young adults) to develop courses which cater to needs identified by the organizations. Students will gain skills to pursue personal and professional goals both in and outside of the kitchen. The programs also include a “Pay it Forward” initiative to empower participants to positively affect the local food system and teach others how to cook.

the plan of action:

Food Forward’s courses equip students with practical cooking and food business skills as well as a working knowledge of current food system issues pertaining to justice, the local economy, health, and the environment. I myself boast no expertise in working with specific populations, but I have proven myself as an organizer and advocate. I am confident in my ability to forge partnerships with existing non-profits in order to develop programs that effectively address the specific needs and desires of each student population. Food Forward also includes an apprenticeship program, whereby local chefs and producers give students hands-on opportunities equipping them for work in restaurants and artisanal production. This collaboration also provides students a “foot in the door” of the local food industry. The “Pay it Forward” initiative will train students to start their own community cooking groups to teach others basic cooking skills and garner awareness about food system issues.

how you can get involved:

n/a

project updates:

Submitted by Joshua510 on Wed, 02/08/2012 - 23:31

the problem:

trying to ensure that food and money are available when someone needs them. in my community, alot of people have been burdened because of the economy and it is all some can do to make ends meet. if the food pantry is stocked and funds are available to help in other areas, giving a helping hand may be all some need to get back on their feet.

vital stats:

people impacted:

500

people involved:

why it's important:

hunger is important because it affects so much in our daily lives. if children do not have the proper nutrition then it shows in their daily school work habits. if parents do not have the necessary food for their bodies, especially if there are health issues like diabetes, then they can become sick and will no longer be able to provide whatever they were doing to their families. poverty is as bad a disease as cancer because both destroy wherever they invade unless the proper intervention is made.

the plan of action:

i have already collected money and food from food drives and by putting barrels in businesses in the local area. if funds were available, i would try to increase awareness of the desperation of our neighbors in this county. i would purchase containers and place them where people can visibly see them so to remind them to help someone else out while they are shopping for their own families. also, it would be good to purchase over the counter medications, common ones, and have them available for those who may need them as well. when i did my project, i was able to obtain barrels and jars and place them in several businesses. i think i have helped in some way by not only restocking the pantry shelves but by being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. my project was in the local paper and i was able to use the media to encourage others to step up, step out and volunteer.

how you can get involved:

others can help by finding out what it is they like to do and then put their talents to work locally in their own communities. if you are passionate about your cause then it is easier to fulfill your obligations. everyone no matter who you are can afford to place a can, a box of macaroni, etc in a barrel to help someone else out. you never know when you may be on the receiving end.

project updates:

1 comment

Submitted by akaiser14 on Tue, 02/07/2012 - 21:23

the problem:

I am trying to help families in my neighborhood who cannot afford groceries without them needing to ask for help and preventing them from being embarrassed.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

This is important to me because the family I started with is a very close family to me, and imagining that they have to skip a meal because they can't afford it and won't ask for help because they're embarrassed makes me so upset.

the plan of action:

I deliver food to the families doorstep, ring the bell, and run. I use half my money and half local food banks to fill these grocery bags for them.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by doing this project for families in their own neighborhood. A lot of families need help, they're just to embarrassed to ask for it.

project updates:

Submitted by GTD on Tue, 02/07/2012 - 13:50

the problem:

Hunger and poverty in the Kingston community. We are students attempting to tackle this problem by purchasing, preparing, and serving nutritious meals for those who are less fortunate and who lack food security.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

There is enough food to feed everyone in the world and yet so many go hungry. This is something we should strive to change. It's important that those that have the resources and ability to provide for others do!

the plan of action:

The Good Times Diner is committed to providing a valuable service; serving nutritious and hot free meals twice a week, to support less fortunate members of the Kingston community.Moreover, because our organization is student run and has student volunteers, we are also committed to having students partake in community development.

how you can get involved:

Check out our website, like our Facebook page, or if you are a Queen's University student- come out and volunteer!

http://goodtimesdiner.tumblr.com/
http://www.facebook.com/goodtimesdiner

project updates:

Submitted by xbamitsoliviax on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 18:31

the problem:

Hungry in teens all over the Atlanta area

vital stats:

people impacted:

100

people involved:

why it's important:

Some teens only get one meal a day and that is at school, well when school is out for the summer, what are they going to do? That's where I come in and I provide food to shelters, kitchens, and covenant houses so the teens can go and get food.

the plan of action:

I am going to put up canned food collection boxes at my school and collect nonperishable foods until May 25th, and every weekend up until then I will deliver the foods I have so far to the Covenant House of Georgia for Teens.

how you can get involved:

By bringing canned goods to Winder-Barrow High School to drop in the collection box or simply donating canned foods to your local food pantry.

project updates:

1 comment

Submitted by amberwolfe on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 17:37

the problem:

my project shows that there is more people out in the world who might no what you are going through and that what ever you do keep your head up. this helps other people get to no other people as possible. this gives us an opportity to help with feeding the homeless.

vital stats:

people impacted:

100

people involved:

why it's important:

the reason why this is so important to me is because my freshman year of high school my house burned down and we were homeless for awhile and my churcha nd people from school stepped in and helped me and my father out.

the plan of action:

my plan of action is to stop world hunger. i beleive if i can eat what i want we should beable to help and feed other people too as well.

how you can get involved:

others can help by just going down to the nearst shelter or church or any organiztion and just volunteer and help other people. trust if you do this you will find out that life is just not about you its about whats around you and you just might make a difference and a little kids life or even a grownups life.

project updates:

Submitted by Spokane Valley ... on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 16:00

the problem:

The mission of the Spokane Valley Partners is to provide basic life necessities, teach life skills that promote self-reliance, address emotional and psychological needs. We do this by collaborating with other charitable and government agencies to enrich the quality of community life.

vital stats:

people impacted:

10,000

people involved:

300

why it's important:

We provide outreach and services to over 70,000 people. Our campus is home to several other organizations and also provides meeting space for a variety of community-building purposes. In addition, SVP runs programs of its own to provide needed goods and services to low income families in our service area. Examples of these services include our Clothing Bank, Food Bank, Emergency Assistance for utilities, prescriptions and other essentials, protective payee services, Community Voice Mail, Have-A-Heart Valentine Program, Smart Start School Supplies and Coats 4 Kids.

the plan of action:

Founded in 1989 by concerned citizens SVP has expanded its reach since its early beginnings. A move in 2002 provided a unique ability to provide many centrally located services allowing families to tap into these services such as the Women, Infant, and Children program (WIC), the Valley Food Bank, the Clothing Bank, SNAP, and seasonal programs, without having to make time-consuming and emotionally-draining trips all over the county. Spokane Valley Partners, reflects a renewed vision of prosperity for all of our citizens; and partnering is at the heart of our approach to our work.

how you can get involved:

We are looking for volunteers to make a difference in the fight against hunger in the Spokane Valley. I’m sure you have many requests for your time. I hope this is one that will inspire you to act.

Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank serves more than 900 families a month and the need is only growing. We are looking for volunteers to help us in our warehouse by logging in donations, sorting food and stocking shelves along with general warehouse upkeep. With just a few hours a week you can help us be equipped to serve even more families and help keep hunger at bay. With short 4 hour shifts in the Morning and Afternoon, Monday through Friday there are plenty of opportunities to contribute.

I am asking you to consider joining me as a volunteer with Spokane Valley Partners; I have been a volunteer with this organization for a few years now and have found it to be a very rewarding and uplifting experience.

Please consider joining us in our efforts to eliminate hunger. Call 927-1153 to inquire about becoming a volunteer today.

project updates:

Submitted by eerohr on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 11:52

the problem:

We are educating the youth in our community about the benefits of urban farming. This includes preparation and planning, nutrition information, work ethic and neighborhood beautification. Our children do not have opportunities to participate in summer programs and spend a lot of time unsupervised during summer vacation. Our urban farming program will teach them valuable skills as well as give them a safe place spent with positive role models off the streets.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

Detroit is known as a food desert, with no major grocery store within city limits. Many children in our community do not get the necessary fruits and vegetables in their daily diets. By teaching them that they can grow food in their own backyard, we are giving them the power to make healthy choices and create a more sustainable living environment.

the plan of action:

We plan to host a summer camp for 15 children for 10 weeks. Children will attend two full days per week. We will spend time educating the children on urban farming and teach them how to care for their own plants.

how you can get involved:

n/a