WhyHunger (formerly known as World Hunger Year, or WHY) is an organization that seeks to address the root causes of hunger and poverty. WhyHunger was founded in 1975 by folk singer Harry Chapin, a social activist who was as well known for his humanitarian efforts as for his guitar ballads, and 95.5 WPLJ New York, legendary radio D.J. Bill Ayres. Its Board of Directors is currently chaired by Jen Chapin.
WhyHunger is convinced that solutions to hunger and poverty can be found at the grassroots level. WhyHunger advances long-term solutions to hunger and poverty by supporting community-based organizations that empower individuals and build self-reliance, i.e., offering job training, education and after school programs; increasing access to housing and healthcare; providing microcredit and entrepreneurial opportunities; teaching people to grow their own food; and assisting small farmers. WhyHunger connects these organizations to funders, media and legislators.
On November 1, 2012, 12-year-old American classical crossover singer Jackie Evancho announced partnership with WhyHunger and beauty brand philosophy, selling "Cranberry Currant" 3-in-1 shampoo, body wash, and shower gel, using lyrics from her song "To Believe" on the packaging to inspire others to give back during the 2012 holiday season. The product retails for $20 on philosophy's and Sephora's websites, and 100% of the proceeds will benefit WhyHunger.
Famous quotes containing the words world, hunger and/or year:
“Film is more than the twentieth-century art. It’s another part of the twentieth-century mind. It’s the world seen from inside. We’ve come to a certain point in the history of film. If a thing can be filmed, the film is implied in the thing itself. This is where we are. The twentieth century is on film.... You have to ask yourself if there’s anything about us more important than the fact that we’re constantly on film, constantly watching ourselves.”
—Don Delillo (b. 1926)
“A hunger flashing in the eye
Which jutting bellies would belie.”
—Allen Tate (1899–1979)
“The rarest of all things in American life is charm. We spend billions every year manufacturing fake charm that goes under the heading of “public relations.” Without it, America would be grim indeed.”
—Anita Loos (1888–1981)