Hope Over Hunger: Nourishing Our Community -by April Bennett

If you know me, you know that food has always been at the heart of who I am. It’s my love language, my creative outlet, and my way of connecting with people. From teaching kids to try new foods, to organizing family food nights and community wellness programs, to leading seasonal cooking classes, and even hosting fancy dinner parties and fundraisers, I’ve built a life around the belief that food can educate, empower, and unite.

I’ve spent the last two decades building bridges between health, education, and community, so when I stepped into my new role as Community Engagement Coordinator at United Way of Northern New York, it felt like a natural extension of my journey to work on something that matters deeply to me: food access.

This year’s Community Food Drive isn’t just about canned goods and pantry shelves, it’s about dignity, equity, and the simple yet profound belief that everyone deserves to eat well. Throughout Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties, too many families are making impossible choices between groceries and gas, medicine and meals. As someone who has stood in front of a classroom teaching about nutrition while knowing some students hadn’t had breakfast, I can tell you, hunger isn’t just about empty stomachs. It affects focus, health, and relationships, too. More than 47 million people in the US face hunger, including 1 in 5 children here in the North Country. By donating to this food drive, you’re not just filling a bag, you’re fueling a child’s ability to learn, a senior’s ability to stay independent, and a parent’s peace of mind.

I became a chef because I believe food is one of the most powerful tools for transformation. I became a community educator because I wanted to make that transformation accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it. And I joined United Way because I want to be part of a bigger movement—one that sees food not as a hand-out, but as a human right.

This food drive is personal to me. It reflects everything I care about: nourishing bodies and spirits, bringing people together, and lifting up our neighbors in ways that are practical and profound. Between now and June 4, 2025, we’re collecting non-perishable food items to support 25 local food pantries and programs across our region. Every thoughtful donation makes a real difference, particularly as the school year comes to a close and more under-resourced parents and caregivers face additional challenges in meeting the nutritional needs of growing children.

You can learn more, find drop-off locations, or make a monetary donation by scanning the QR code on our flyers or visiting: https://unitedway-nny.org/community-food-drive.

Let’s come together as a community that cares to Live United not just in words, but in action. Because food is more than fuel. It’s connection. It’s love. It’s hope on a plate. And hope is something we can all use another helping of.

With gratitude and heart, April Bennett

Community Engagement Coordinator, United Way of Northern New York