Growing up in New York City exposed me to many devastating realities of the world from a young age. Ever since I was little, I have always been moved by the sadness I felt seeing homeless children on the street, accompanying a parent begging for money to feed them. It was painful to imagine that children my age or younger have to constantly wonder where their next meal will come from. While this problem predated COVID-19, the pandemic highlighted how little room for unexpected problems so many Americans have. In the past year, countless people lost jobs and income, forcing them to stress about basics such as food and shelter. 

Thank G-d, I am lucky enough not to worry about basic necessities such as food or shelter. And I certainly don't need any material items or gifts for my Bat Mitzvah. That is why I chose to dedicate my Bat Mitzvah, and any gifts I might receive, to No Kid Hungry. No Kid Hungry is an organization that aims to solve child hunger by working to provide food at schools and community programs. No Kid Hungry is constantly striving to find the best ways to make sure a child is provided with sufficient nutrients, and is persistently advocating so that the child hunger epidemic is brought into the public eye.

As a child myself, I cannot imagine how it would feel to live with the uncertainty of whether or not I would be able to eat that day. So, instead of sending me a gift, please help me by donating whatever you can to No Kid Hungry. Because every child deserves a chance to live a healthy, nourishing life.

xo,

Noa