New at WhyHunger
On January 25th, a dam collapsed in southeastern Brazil unleashing a devastating torrent of toxic mining waste that  killed at least 120 people and wiped out homes, businesses and crops in surrounding villages. Government reports estimate 159 people are still missing, but WhyHunger’s local partners contend the number is much higher- nearly 700 people lived in the affected area. As those who fled return to their communities, many now find themselves without access to clean water, food or shelter.

Our partners in Brazil have asked for our help - and yours.

 WhyHunger has set up a special Rapid Response fundraising campaign  to support these coordinated local efforts. 100% of all donations will go directly to our partner organizations in Brazil that are already on-the-ground leading the immediate recovery efforts, responding to the growing ecological devastation and helping communities to organize and rebuild.

SAVE THE DATE! 

Our annual WhyHunger Chapin Awards will take place on June 5th at City Winery in NYC honoring Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter John Mellencamp  for his philanthropic work to fight hunger! Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details! #WhyHungerAwards  
Please join WhyHunger on Tuesday, March 19 from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Port Morris Distillery for a short film about food sovereignty and agroecology in Puerto Rico followed by a discussion with our partners at  Organización Boricuá de Agricultura Ecológica de Puerto Rico . 

This event is free, but you must RSVP . 

Learn more about  farming, food access, agroecology, rebuilding after Hurricane Maria and more at this free event. Food, drinks and dancing to follow! 
Hunger & Poverty News
Politico: Most states plan to move up food stamp payments due to lingering shutdown pain
The recent government shutdown took its toll on many across the nation, including beneficiaries of SNAP, posing a threat to the receipt of the benefits in a timely manner. As of now, many states are working to alleviate the issue with early distribution of food stamp payments for March.

NY Times: Where Brazilians Live in High-Risk Areas Downhill From Mining Dams
This recent NY Times article identifies the areas in Brazil where more than 100,000 Brazilians are at high risk of being impacted by mining dam collapses similar to the disaster in Brumadinho last month.

The Nation: Want to Eradicate Hunger in America? Take on Racism.
Take an in depth look out how discrimination plays a major role in the struggle with hunger, based on a new study.

Civil Eats: What the new Green Deal Means for the Food on Your Plate
US Agriculture as a positive force in climate change and social justice is a goal of the Green New Deal. Learn more about what this means for what you eat.
Connect Blog

WhyHunger recently had the honor of participating in a delegation organized by  Friends of the ATC, Nicaragua . Delegates lived & worked alongside ATC members and shared in their stories and experiences. Compañera Emerita Vega shared her story in this special blog post.


It is part of the Hollywood version of the American college experience, to be a broke student surviving on instant noodles in a dormitory. But hunger on college campuses in America is so much more than a plot line. In one of the most developed countries in the world, tens of thousands of students can barely afford food due to the incredibly high tuition costs and living expenses. 

Take Action




Thousands of people in rural communities are currently facing—or undergoing—forced eviction across Zimbabwe. Habitat International Coalition (HIC) and Zimbabwe People’s Land Rights Movement (ZPLRM) ask for your solidarity action to encourage Zimbabwe authorities to meet their human rights obligations.

Please support this Urgent Action by sending your support letters to Zimbabwe authorities, calling for an end to forced evictions. Just follow  this link  to support the ZPLRM’s call, add your information on  the screen  and click  Support . 

For full background on this case and the sample letters click  here .
Thank you for your urgent solidarity action.
WhyHunger is a leader in building the movement to end hunger and poverty by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food and by supporting grassroots solutions that inspire self-reliance and community empowerment.
WhyHunger| 212-629-8850 | why@whyhunger.org | www.whyhunger.org