WhyHunger, a nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger and addressing its underlying injustices, announced the kickoff of its 39th annual Hungerthon fundraiser and awareness campaign. This comprehensive initiative aims to generate essential funds to address the root causes of hunger and support community-led solutions that guarantee access to nutritious food for everyone.
The 2024 WhyHunger Hungerthon campaign features multiple ways for supporters to get involved:
- Radio and Ambassador Partnerships: Hungerthon’s long-time radio partners including SiriusXM and iHeartRadio New York, as well as celebrity supporters like Yoko Ono Lennon and Bruce Springsteen, help spread the message of Hungerthon and drive donations.
- Gifts that Give Back: Supporters can donate through Hungerthon.org and receive exclusive gift items such as a John Lennon Imagine There’s No Hunger T-shirt, zip-hoodie, or pashmina scarf; a Bruce Springsteen The Promised Land T-shirt or sweatshirt; or a WhyHunger tote.
- Peer-to-Peer Contest: New this year, Hungerthon will feature the Hungerthon Hustle, a virtual and in-person 4.7K run/walk in solidarity with the 47.7 million Americans struggling with hunger. This Thanksgiving week activation will encourage corporate employees, students, and community groups to compete in raising funds for WhyHunger while spreading awareness.
Hungerthon 2024 began with Amplified, a concert hosted by Roy Wood Jr. on October 15 at Irving Plaza in New York. The event showcased performances from The Roots, Grace Bowers and her band, The Hodge Podge, along with special guest Cimafunk. This concert launched the campaign, using the unifying power of music to raise awareness and generate excitement for Hungerthon.
“At a time when it can feel nearly impossible to find common ground, we are encouraged by the shared belief that everyone has the right to nutritious food, which cuts across our human experience,” said Jenique Jones, executive director of WhyHunger. “Hungerthon offers a unique opportunity for all of us to join together to help people get the healthy food they need today and to begin transforming the systems that keep people poor and hungry in the first place. We are grateful to our radio partners, celebrity advocates, and the thousands of individuals who show up year after year to help bring that vision to life through Hungerthon.”
Hunger in America:
- 47.7 million people struggle with hunger — including nearly 14 million children.
- Black and Latinx households experienced food insecurity at more than double the rate of white households in 2023.
- 50% of NYC families are unable to afford the rising costs of food and rent.
Hungerthon has raised millions over the years, supporting efforts to provide nutritious food and supplying funding, training, and resources to grassroots organizations across the U.S. working to end hunger and tackle its root causes. To learn more and contribute to this year’s campaign, visit Hungerthon.org and join the conversation on social media with #Hungerthon.
If you or someone you know needs assistance finding healthy meals, visit WhyHunger.org/FindFood, call the WhyHunger Hotline at 1(800) 5-HUNGRY, or text your zip code to 1-800-548-6479.
About WhyHunger
Founded in 1975 by the late Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayres, WhyHunger funds and supports community solutions to protect the human right to food. In nearly five decades of innovation and evolution, our programs and our grassroots partners in 24 countries have expanded agricultural practices that are better for the planet, helped communities address the root causes of hunger, and ensured access to nutritious food for millions of people. As a grassroots support organization, we stand behind the leadership of the people most impacted by hunger and injustice. We prioritize providing resources to support the rights of communities who have been historically excluded from defining and controlling their food systems. We advocate for workers’ rights and champion agroecological food production that unites science and sustainability with Indigenous knowledge and wisdom. Together we can build socially and economically just food systems that nourish all people and the environment. Learn more at whyhunger.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram.
About iHeartMedia New York
iHeartMedia New York owns and operates WWPR-FM, WHTZ-FM, WKTU-FM, WAXQ-FM, WLTW-FM, WOR-AM, New York’s Black Information Network, WWRL-AM, and is part of iHeartMedia. iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, reaching over 90% of Americans every month. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have more consumer reach in the U.S. than any other media outlet; twice the reach of the next largest broadcast radio company; and over four times the ad-enabled reach of the largest digital-only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined and has the number one social footprint among audio players, with seven times more followers than the next audio media brand, and the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products, and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.