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:
“That the world can be improved and yet must be celebrated as it is are contradictions. The beginning of maturity may be the recognition that both are true.”
—William Stott (b. 1940)
“The wrong of unshapely things is a wrong too great to be told;
I hunger to build them anew and sit on a green knoll apart....”
—William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)
“The boys dressed themselves, hid their accoutrements, and went off grieving that there were no outlaws any more, and wondering what modern civilization could claim to have done to compensate for their loss. They said they would rather be outlaws a year in Sherwood Forest than President of the United States forever.”
—Mark Twain [Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835–1910)