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Jen Burke, League AVP – Communications & Outreach
A few weeks ago, I attended a fundraiser for one of our hunger relief partners. During the event, a Maine teacher spoke about the impacts of hunger in the classroom. She noted the tremendous strides Maine has made to address childhood hunger and the benefits of the state’s free breakfast and lunch for all students program. But despite the progress, she still sees the impact food insecurity has on her students. Children from food insecure households will often stash snacks and fruit in their desks to bring home to their families. She reminded us about the importance of our work and encouraged us to keep fighting to end hunger in our state.
On my drive home from the event, I couldn’t stop thinking about all the Maine kids who experience hunger in their homes—children who might sit alongside my daughter in her sixth-grade classroom. With my mental wheels turning, I also thought about other demographics who face food insecurity. It’s not just kids who are hungry. There are people—young and old—from all backgrounds, in every corner of this state who find themselves wondering how they are going to get their next meal. While I work on behalf of the Campaign for Ending Hunger and know the realities so many Mainers face, I was sad and frustrated as I turned into my driveway. These emotions, however, were fleeting as I channeled my feelings into fueling my why.
Why do I care about this issue? Why do I believe we can end hunger in Maine? Why does it matter?
For me, the answer goes back to why I wanted to work in the credit union movement in the first place: People Helping People. I believe in the power of people. I recognize that working together as a community can uplift others and address societal problems. I’m confident that together with our hunger relief partners, we’ll leave this world in a better place than we found it—one where everyone has access to the healthy food they need to thrive. That’s my why.
What is your why for supporting the Campaign for Ending Hunger?
As we approach the halfway mark for both the $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge and National Hunger Awareness Month, I encourage you to find your why. I hope it will motivate and drive your ongoing support of the Campaign for the remainder of the month and beyond. I also challenge you to engage with others and ask why ending hunger matters to them. The more people working to combat hunger and break the cycle of poverty, the better! Maine needs a strong army of dedicated advocates, especially if we want to reach our collective goal to end hunger by 2030.
I know this issue is one that Maine credit unions, your members, and employees care deeply about. It is evident in your actions—how you volunteer your time, lend your support, and offer your dollars to feed those in need. Whatever it is that fuels your why in this fight, please know it is making a difference. While we still have much work ahead of us, I know we will continue making a meaningful impact together.