Two’s AZA is asking for your help in our chapter’s fight to end child hunger in our community.

Our BBYO Stand UP campaign, “If I Have The World,” kicked off in the fall with community service programs at Mitzvah Garden KC, a volunteer-supported, nonprofit garden with 100% of its harvests going to local food pantries. In September and October, Two’s helped harvest peppers, tomatoes, lettuce and okra, as well as general maintenance in the garden.

Two’s will continue its volunteer efforts when the garden re-opens in March for growing season. The chapter has pledged to donate part of its proceeds from the chapter’s 3rd Annual Marty Awards to the garden. The chapter is also working with the Jewish Family Services Food Pantry to organize a food drive at the Marty’s, which is scheduled for May 10, 2025.

But service and philanthropy is not enough. Contacting our elected officials is crucial when striving to create or change policy.

In November, Two’s AZA wrote to Rep. Sharice Davids, Sen. Roger Marshall and Sen. Jerry Moran, urging them to support comprehensive anti-hunger initiatives and legislation such as the Healthy School Meals to All initiative. On Jan. 3, Rep. Davids responded to our letter, writing: “As the daughter of a single mom, I know the value of working hard to provide for your family. I saw my mom work her heart out every day so my brothers and I wouldn’t be denied any opportunity. Many folks today are working just as hard as my mom did to get by. But many are struggling to pay their mortgages or groceries because their spouse was laid off, or because they got a surprise medical bill. Folks who work hard and follow the rules shouldn’t be condemned when they fall on hard times.”

In 2023, nearly 14 million children faced hunger. The simple truth is that hunger exists in every county in our nation, including here In Kansas and Missouri.

In Harvesters’ 27-county service area in Kansas City and Missouri:

  • 1 in 8 (12.3%) people are at risk of hunger. That’s 12.3% of the population or 338,990 individuals.
  • 1 in 6 kids are at risk of hunger. That’s 17% of the population or 109,160 children.

To help spread awareness, Two’s has created a web page dedicated to our campaign, twosaza.com/stand-up-to-hunger. Here you can find facts about child hunger, resources, reports, videos and news, as well as an online form that lets you send a general email to all legislators at once. In addition, Two’s is spreading the word through articles and posts on social media, the chapter newspaper and the alumni e-newsletter.

Please join us in our fight to end child hunger!