“Getting help like that definitely gives us hope because it definitely means there’s still good people in this world,” William told us. “We would’ve lost our house and ended up in a homeless shelter. You helped us at our lowest time. Thank you!”

“I’m a Vietnam Marine, honorably discharged,” Clint says proudly, adding, “Oorah!” After his time in the Marines, Clint worked a stint as a police officer before moving to Miami in 2021. “I’ve had a hard time,” he admits.

Being a teenager is hard for many reasons. Jaida is 15 years old, and she should be getting ready to drive and thinking about what she’ll wear to the next school dance. But her life hasn’t been typical or easy for the last couple of years.

Dezmond was five years old when he first climbed onto the bus that took him to Kidz Club, a popular after-school and summer program for children on Buffalo, New York’s troubled west side.

Upon first meeting Annika, you can feel her love and positivity for her children, her community and her life. Her devotion and optimism radiate to those around her, as seen in the spirit of her two daughters.

“Life here at Kiluvya is challenging. My parents are working hard with multiple businesses just to put food on the table. Sometimes if we cannot afford to buy food for lunch, we drink porridge and some snacks we get at school.”

“My life is a big challenge here in the village, and with a lack of money, it is quite hard to become successful. Most students here cannot afford even two meals a day”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced yesterday that it will provide close to $2 billion in additional funding to food banks, emergency food systems and school meal programs to help fight food insecurity in the U.S.