Jan

24

A favorite shot, a memory and a reason to donate a can or two…

Category: General


Here’s a favorite picture from a KIVA event that I had to revisit!

details.  June 2008, 100 degree day, 7.5 miles hike.  All dressed up for the Today Show.  Make up is running, but not much else is.

Raise your hand if you survived this one.

Well.  We learned a lot. Right?

But we kept on going.  Those kids will never forget the time that we almost never made it back.

Here’s something else I hope they never forget.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.  Margaret Mead

Here are some really important details about the effects of hunger on children, taken from the Feeding America website:

Child Hunger

Although the United States is the wealthiest nation in the world, millions of children in our nation are food insecure, meaning they are either currently hungry or nearing hunger. Children who are undernourished are at greater risk for serious health, social, and educational problems. Today, many public food-assistance programs and private organizations strive to meet the nutritional needs of vulnerable children, but more needs to be done to fight child hunger.

The Impact of Child Hunger

Child hunger affects many aspects of children’s lives, from physical and mental development to emotional well being. Below are some of the issues associated with childhood hunger.

Health Risks Associated with Undernourishment

Children from many poor families receive less than 70 percent of the recommended daily intake of major nutrients. This deficiency translates into increased risk for serious and costly health problems, including anemia, impaired cognitive development, and stunted growth. Children suffering from hunger or near hunger are also less likely to have access to sufficient medical care.

Behavioral and Social Development

Food insufficiency also hinders children’s social development. Studies show that child hunger may be linked to behavioral problems, delayed social development, anxiety, and other emotional problems.

Education

For emotional, cognitive, and physical reasons, a hungry or undernourished child faces significant educational challenges. School attendance and academic performance both suffer due to student undernourishment. Food insufficiency—often caused by missed breakfast—diminishes a child’s ability to retain knowledge, concentrate, and develop language and math skills.

Help us to make a difference locally by collecting food this week for our Third Annual KIVA Birthday Bash…This Sunday from 2-4 PM at Mill Mountain Discovery Center.

Help spread the word about our food drive, via facebook, here!

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