Growing Hope Against Hunger

Sesame Workshop is creating a primetime television special entitled Growing Hope Against Hunger, which is made possible by the generous support of the Walmart Foundation. Featuring Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams Paisley, and the Sesame Street Muppets, this one-hour special raises awareness of the widespread issue of hunger in the United States. It provides simple, empowering strategies to families who aren’t sure where their next meal will come from — and to others who want to help. Growing Hope Against Hunger airs Sunday, October 9, 2011 at
8 p.m. on Eight.

Growing Hope Against Hunger speaks to both children and adults with a story that celebrates the importance of community as everyone works to help one another — including Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams Paisley, and their Sesame Street friends, Rosita, Grover, and Bert. Our Sesame friends are collecting foods at a food drive and a community garden and meet Lily, a new character whose family has an ongoing struggle with hunger. Together, Lily’s family finds strength in helping others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Through animations and songs, the Sesame characters understand what Lily is going through and how their simple actions, such as planting a seed, can make a world of difference. Finally, documentary stories present children’s perspectives on food insecurity and illuminate the impact hunger has on families.

No matter what the viewers’ experiences with food are, the special reassures children that they are not alone: There are people who care and can help. Emphasizing the importance of togetherness, the special motivates all children to help others, whether through friendship or by giving through family activities. Adults, by hearing children’s voices and stories, will find age-appropriate ways to talk to children about sensitive issues related to food. The special also aims to reduce stigma related to food insecurity, empowering adults to serve as resources to others and build hope in their communities.