Ms. Rachel has vivid memories of her childhood. As a kid, she often wore Walmart sneakers. Her single mom juggled multiple jobs—working at a daycare during the week, at Pizza Hut on weekends, and attending night school. Money was tight. The sneakers weren’t from a big brand, and she faced teasing for it. This experience left a lasting mark on her.
Today, she uses her platform to advocate for families in need. With one in five children depending on SNAP benefits, which are now at risk, she feels compelled to speak out. Her past fuels her passion for ensuring every child has enough to eat.
In a recent conversation, Ms. Rachel reflected on a profound question from her childhood: “Why don’t all kids have enough food? Is there not enough food?” Even decades later, that question resonates deeply for her. It seems illogical that, in one of the wealthiest countries, many kids go hungry. It’s not due to a lack of food but rather a societal choice not to prioritize that need.
Now her seven-year-old son, Thomas, echoes similar concerns. “Why wouldn’t kids have the food they need?” he asks. Thankfully, Ms. Rachel is in a position to make a difference.
She listens to families reaching out to her for help. Many parents share their struggles, especially with the rising cost of childcare. When childcare consumes a significant part of their budget, affording healthy food becomes increasingly difficult. Ms. Rachel believes that access to SNAP benefits and healthcare is essential for every child. Many people rely on these programs and should not feel ashamed for doing so.
Her memories of those Walmart sneakers drive her work today. She remembers the support systems that helped her family. Now, Ms. Rachel is actively involved in initiatives that assist families. Last April, she teamed up with Stonyfield Organic for the “O is for Organic” program. They made a $200,000 donation to support children’s health and well-being, directing funds to Room to Grow—an organization that aids families from pregnancy through age three. This crucial early stage of development is something Ms. Rachel knows well, given her experience and expertise in early childhood education.
Room to Grow provides families with essential resources, including food and connections to services like SNAP. Stonyfield also donated refrigerators filled with yogurt, aiding 1,200 families. Ms. Rachel has seen the stress that many parents are under and is dedicated to providing them with resources and support.
She also partners with No Kid Hungry, a group addressing childhood hunger—an issue close to her heart since childhood. With cuts to SNAP funding, more families are struggling, highlighting the urgent need for help. Ms. Rachel asserts that hunger affects development and learning, making it critical for children to receive proper nutrition.
In her conversations with Thomas, Ms. Rachel seeks to instill understanding and compassion. She balances honesty about challenges with age-appropriate discussions. Inspired by Dr. Becky Kennedy and Mr. Rogers, she emphasizes that there are helpers in the world, and love is stronger than the challenges they encounter. Together, they find joy in supporting those in need, whether it’s donating toys or assisting those experiencing homelessness.
Ms. Rachel is creating a ripple effect by teaching her son the importance of empathy and action. He’s already coming up with solutions to help kids who need it most. Her approach is practical: focusing on the good rather than becoming overwhelmed by problems. She guides Thomas to appreciate the helpers who actively fight for change.
In a nation of immense wealth, no child should face hunger. Ms. Rachel knows this from her own experiences with financial struggles. She’s dedicated to reminding families that it’s okay to seek help and assuring them they are not alone. “So many people are working to change things,” she emphasizes. Today, she is one of those voices driving change.
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