Group host ‘Kid’s Hunger Conference’ to eliminate hunger in Blacksburg

Left to Right: (front row): Isabella Dannenberg, Sam Dannenberg, Molly Teller. (back row): Sam Teller, David Hodge, Olivia Hodge, Houlton Dannenberg

BLACKSBURG – Seven area youth from met at the Blacksburg library Wednesday night to fight hunger. In recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Week (Nov. 12 to 20), the group held a “Kid’s Hunger Conference.”

“We do it to try to help people end hunger and to make people aware of those in their class and neighborhood who could be affected by hunger,” said fifth grader Molly Teller.

Each youth shared their stories about volunteering at Micah’s Backpack, an organization that provides weekend packs of food for low-income families in Blacksburg, and what they were doing to alleviate hunger issues in the community. The group emphasized that kids shouldn’t feel like they can’t make a difference because of their age.

Fourth grader Isabella Dannenbert told the audience that, “kids can help. Kids can make a difference.” She said that there are plenty of opportunities in the community that give kids the chance to volunteer and give back.

In July, the group began to meet and organize the hunger conference.

Initially, the group applied for a grant from Youth Services America, but didn’t get it. “They decided to go ahead and do it anyway,” said Jennie Hodge, director of Micah’s Backpacks. “I think it shows the kind of dedication these kids have to this cause.”

Hodge said that the group invited First Lady Michelle Obama. Obama was unable to attend, but did send the group an email thanking them for the invitation and acknowledging their work.

“Just that we received a reply from Mrs. Obama made me proud,” said fifth grader Houlton Dannenbert. “And she knows we’re making a difference. That’s what we’re doing here – making a difference.”

After the group shared stories, they played a “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” style game intended to educate the audience about hunger in the community.

According to the game, one in seven children in Virginia live below the poverty line, one in five children in the United States are struggling with hunger and at least 20 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

NRV Hunger Relief Coordinator, Tara Milligan, spoke about “food security” with kids in attendance. She explained what it means for food to be available, accessible and nutritious.

At the end of the night, the group handed out information about area agencies that allow volunteers under the age of 18.  Those agencies include: Beans and Rice Radford, Giles Christian Mission, Giving Tree Food Pantry, Plenty!, Radford/Fairlawn Daily Bread and Spiritual Roots Food Pantry.

Fourth grader David Hodge shared his story and made the mission of the youth quite clear.

“There are some kids at my school who don’t get enough food,” said Hodge. “I want to help them.”

For more information about volunteering at Micah’s Backpack, visit www.micahsbackpack.org or email Jennie Hodge at jennie@micahsbackpack.org.

One audience member asked if there was an age limit to volunteer at Micah’s Backpack. Dannenbert quickly replied, “You can be as old or as young as you want.”

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