Quote

Hunger in America is an American problem. The hunger of one should be the concern of all. Especially the hunger of children - our children.

Hunger is a deep concern of mine, and I feel that no one should go without food in this world as long as there are caring people to lend a hand. I've had to struggle in my past and I know what it's like to go without, so I try to do as much as I can to help bring awareness to an issue that hits very close to home for me.

It occurred to me that a food drive would be a natural way to talk to kids about hunger, which so many of them simply aren't aware of.

The issue I have always felt most strongly about is hunger in America, in particular the children.

One in four kids in the U.S. faces hunger.

In my state, over 17,000 households are going hungry on a regular basis.

Chronic malnutrition, or the lack of proper nutrition over time directly contributes to three times as many child deaths as food scarcity. Yet surprisingly, you don't really hear about this hidden crisis through the morning news, Twitter or headlines of major newspapers.

As a chef, I had started working with groups like Share Our Strength and various local food banks in New York, raising money for hunger-related issues. And not only me, but the entire restaurant industry has been very focused on this issue.

It's really very simple, Governor. When people are hungry they die. So spare me your politics and tell me what you need and how you're going to get it to these people.

The lack of access to proper nutrition is not only fueling obesity, it is leading to food insecurity and hunger among our children.