Hunger is a silent epidemic affecting a growing number of children in the United States. Last year nearly 16 million American children lived in households that struggled to put food on the table. NOW with Alex Wagner traveled to Owsley County, Kentucky – one of the poorest counties in America – to see first-hand how families are working to provide enough food for their children. Nearly ten years ago, Owsley County native Cleda Turner started the Owsley County Outreach Food Backpack Program to feed low-income children. Turner says she often saw children arriving to school on Monday morning who had not eaten since their last school meal on Friday. The Backpack Program sends students home each weekend with a backpack filled with seven easily-prepared meals and two snacks. NOW with Alex Wagner and MSNBC are teaming up to help support the Food Backpack Program. Our goal is to shine a light on the one in five children nationwide who struggle with food insecurity. Find out how you can help by visiting our Crowdrise Page.
Brandi Kellam