Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Arts & Culture

Growing Hope Against Hunger: A Sesame Street Special Presentation

Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams Paisley, Chris, and the Sesame Street Muppets discuss the many ways you can deal and help others deal with the widespread issue of food insecurity as part of Sesame Street’s primetime television special entitled "Growing Hope Against Hunger." © 2011 Sesame Workshop.
Courtesy of Gil Vaknin
Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams Paisley, Chris, and the Sesame Street Muppets discuss the many ways you can deal and help others deal with the widespread issue of food insecurity as part of Sesame Street’s primetime television special entitled "Growing Hope Against Hunger." © 2011 Sesame Workshop.

Airs Sunday, October 9, 2011 at 7 p.m. on KPBS TV

"Growing Hope Against Hunger" speaks to both children and adults with a story that celebrates the importance of community as everyone works to help one another — including Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams Paisley, and their Sesame Street friends, Rosita, Grover, and Bert.

Our Sesame friends are collecting foods at a food drive and a community garden and meet Lily, a new character whose family has an ongoing struggle with hunger. Together, Lily’s family finds strength in helping others who are experiencing similar circumstances.

Through animations and songs, the Sesame characters understand what Lily is going through and how their simple actions, such as planting a seed, can make a world of difference. Finally, documentary stories present children’s perspectives on food insecurity and illuminate the impact hunger has on families.

Advertisement

No matter what the viewers’ experiences with food are, the special reassures children that they are not alone: There are people who care and can help. Emphasizing the importance of togetherness, the special motivates all children to help others, whether through friendship or by giving through family activities.

Adults, by hearing children’s voices and stories, will find age-appropriate ways to talk to children about sensitive issues related to food. The special also aims to reduce stigma related to food insecurity, empowering adults to serve as resources to others and build hope in their communities.

Parent Resource: A Story For Children

Join Big Bird, Granny Bird, and Big Bird’s cousin Natalie as they visit the local food pantry and grocery store. Together they select and prepare foods to make a delicious meal. Like Big Bird and Natalie, your child can help select food items, wash fruits and vegetables, or set the table. As you read with your child, talk about your family’s routines. And, of course, take time to enjoy your food together! Spending time eating and preparing foods as a family helps bring everyone closer. Download the story "a delicious day" for children (PDF)

The story is in PDF format and requires Adobe Acrobat to open. If you do not have it installed, first install Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Advertisement

Sesame Street is on Facebook, and you can watch videos on the Sesame Street YouTube channel.

Sesame Street: Growing Hope Against Hunger: Highlight Reel
Sesame Street: Behind the Scenes - Growing Hope Against Hunger