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:
“Without, or with, offence to friends or foes,
I sketch your world exactly as it goes.”
—George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)
“... hunger and cold, ill-health and pain are nothing. They pass. The thing that remains is ignorant criticism, well-meaning but futile advice, the contempt of a subordinate, the feelings of the underdog.”
—Alice Foote MacDougall (1867–1945)
“The author’s conviction on this day of New Year is that music begins to atrophy when it departs too far from the dance; that poetry begins to atrophy when it gets too far from music; but this must not be taken as implying that all good music is dance music or all poetry lyric. Bach and Mozart are never too far from physical movement.”
—Ezra Pound (1885–1972)