Teens leading the charge during Hunger Action Month
September is Hunger Action Month. It takes many hands to make sure every person facing hunger gets the food they need, and teens have a powerful role to play too. With creativity, energy, and the ability to rally their peers, young people are sparking change in their communities.
Take Anish and his sister Aashrita, for example. They saw a simple but profound problem: too much food was going to waste, while too many people were going hungry. Anish developed an app called “Pizza with a Purpose” that helps local restaurants share hot meals with those in need. Instead of ending up in the trash, perfectly good food is redirected to families who can use it. Together, these siblings combined their love of technology and commitment to ending hunger—and the impact has been incredible.
Or look at students from a class in Milwaukee who turned movie night into something much bigger. In response to a natural disaster that left communities in need of support, the students organized a fundraiser in their school gym. Their idea proves that with creativity, teamwork, and the courage to act, everyone can make a difference.
Then there’s Benton, a teen who has found his voice in advocacy, helping to make sure hunger is addressed at the policy level. He advocates for strong nutrition programs and policies at the local, state, and federal level, ensuring that kids—and their families—have access to the food they need. From writing letters and meeting with lawmakers, to speaking at events, Benton shows that teens can be powerful advocates for improving our food systems.
These examples highlight just a few ways teens are already stepping up. If you’re a young person—or know one—who wants to get involved during Hunger Action Month, here are some ideas to get started:
Use Your Talents. Do you love coding like Anish? Maybe you're an artist, musician or athlete. Think about how your interests could connect to the fight against hunger. Host a charity concert, create awareness art, or organize a sports tournament with proceeds going to Feeding America.
Start Small, Dream Big. You don’t need a massive budget to make an impact. The Milwaukee students proved that something as simple as movie night can create ripples of change. Start with what you have and watch your idea grow.
Be an Advocate. Like Benton, your voice matters. Write letters to elected officials about the importance of SNAP benefits, school meal programs, and food security. Share posts on social media to raise awareness. Even small advocacy efforts add up.
Volunteer Together. Teens often have the power to rally their friends. Find your local food bank, then organize a group volunteer shift there or at a food pantry. Volunteering as a team not only helps the community but builds stronger friendships too.
Educate and Inspire. Sometimes, the most powerful thing a teen can do is start a conversation. Give a class presentation, host a club discussion, or post a video online about why Hunger Action Month matters. Knowledge leads to action.
Hunger Action Month is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating a hunger-free future. And teens, with their passion, energy, and creativity, are some of the most important players in this movement. Whether you’re coding an app, hosting a fundraiser, writing to Congress, or volunteering your time, your contribution matters.
This September, don’t underestimate the power of young people to ignite change. Teens aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow—they’re making a difference today.