Unbroken and Resilient
A guest post from entertainer Katharine McPhee

As I wrote songs for my album “Unbroken,” what came out were tales of resilience… people who are bowed – but not broken – by the experiences and trials life throws at them.  Now, a new project is allowing me to meet many of these real unbroken souls in person.  I’m amazed by their spirit and touched by their stories.

I have been a part of the Feeding America Entertainment Council for more than a year now.  When I learned that childhood hunger was such a critical problem right here in the United States, I knew I wanted to help.  Then, when I found out that 17 million children struggle with hunger during the summer when school is out, I knew I had to help now.

I am honored to be working with the ConAgra Foods Foundation and Feeding America to launch the Hunger-Free Summer initiative.  One of the goals of Hunger-Free Summer is to help ensure that kids at risk of hunger have access to nutritious meals year round. So, while school may be out for summer, lunch is always in session.

This summer I am traveling across the country to Feeding America food banks from Orlando to Los Angeles. I’m volunteering my time and doing my best to bring more attention to fact that there are children in need. Last week, I visited New Image Youth Center in Orlando, Fla.  New Image is a summer feeding location supported by the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, which received a Hunger-Free Summer grant to support summer food locations in Orlando.  I helped serve lunch and even wrote a song with the kids.  I enjoyed spending time with the kids and was amazed to realize how much good can come from a kind word and a nutritious meal. This is something every child deserves.

Yesterday, I visited Irvine, Calif. (just outside my hometown of Los Angeles!) and tomorrow I’ll visit Little Rock, Ark.  I can’t wait to share more photos and stories as my journey continues. More importantly, I can’t wait to hear how you’re getting involved in the fight against child hunger.