What Kids Say: Hunger
It takes all of us working together to make a difference. But how do we ensure that the values of generosity and caring become an innate part of people’s lives? Teaching kids about the impact of volunteering is a great way to help them learn about how they can shape the world.
Before the coronavirus pandemic swept our nation, we invited a group of elementary school children to tour our Oklahoma City distribution center. The kids learned what it takes to feed hungry families, from receiving pallets of donated food, to packing boxes full of food and supplies, and loading those boxes into semi-truck trailers for distribution to communities in need.
We wanted to make sure that the children were able to take away more than just field trip memories. So, we asked the kids to answer a few questions as part of an exercise to help them think about hunger and how helping can make a difference. Here are some of their answers.
Do you know somebody who is hungry?
“Yeah.” – Lisa, age 5
“Homeless people.” – Chase, age 7
“I know Michael was hungry when he was living on the streets. I love Michael.” – Max, age 6
What are things you can’t do when you’re hungry?
“Eat, because I don’t have any food. I can’t run fast.” – Ethan, age 6
“I kind of shut down.” – Dennis, age 9
“Run, speedwalk, and my brain won’t work good.” – Clyde, age 6
How would you feel if you didn’t have food?
“I wouldn’t be able to do much, and I would feel sick.” – Dennis, age 9
“I would feel sad and starving.” – Chase, age 7
“Starving! I would feel like I’m gonna die.” – Elaine, age 7
How would it make you feel if you were able to help someone who was hungry?
“Happy, because I would be helping people.” – Ethan, age 6
“It would make me feel good because I would give them food.” – Jennifer, age 5
“It makes me feel happy when I work at a place that helps people.” – Max, age 6
