It Starts With a Meal™
TAKE ACTION TODAY TO END HUNGER TOMORROW. It starts with a meal. It leads to resilience, self-sufficiency, education, empowerment and bright futures in communities worldwide.
EDUCATION STARTS WITH A MEAL
Throughout his life, 13-year-old Denis has watched his parents worry about their struggles to provide basic necessities for their family. Nutritious meals were scarce, making it difficult for him to focus at school and maintain interest in his hobbies. Denis now receives nutritious Rise Against Hunger meals at partner Convoy of Hope’s feeding center. With food on the table and needs met, he’s able to focus in class and pursue his dream of becoming a systems engineer. When not focusing on math and school, Denis enjoys listening to music, time with friends and volunteering.
RECOVERY STARTS WITH A MEAL
In mid-December 2021, Typhoon Odette, classified as a super typhoon, made landfall in the Philippines, bringing torrential rain and causing substantial damage. Millions of people were displaced, and there was a critical need for food and water in the aftermath of the typhoon. Rise Against Hunger Philippines responded in 2021 — and continued responding in 2022 — by providing immediate assistance to those affected in 25 areas. By March 2022, food, water and hygiene kits had been distributed to over 23,000 people.
OPPORTUNITY STARTS WITH A MEAL
In Mali’s Sikasso and Segou regions, Rise Against Hunger works with partner AMEDD to implement the Elevating Women and Youth Farmers project. More than 50% of Mali’s agricultural labor force are women and youth, but only 5% of Malian women are landowners. The project aims to improve food security among women and young farmers by ensuring agricultural land is attainable, providing livestock ownership and training on climate-smart agriculture techniques and nutrition. 35-year-old Mariam is one of the women farmers participating in the project. She has learned about innovative agriculture techniques, land rights and how to mitigate climate change effects. She has utilized her skills and knowledge to increase her crop capacity and yield.
Red Star Yeast
Take part in the #itstartswithameal global effort on social!
It Starts With a Meal is supported by a $50,000 donation from campaign sponsor, Red Star Yeast.
MEALPOWER
When we start conversations about the power and importance of a meal, it also reinforces the critical necessity of addressing food insecurity. Using #ItStartsWithaMeal on social media, share your favorite international recipe, the difference a single meal can make and how your friends and family can support the global hunger crisis — your MealPower story might even get highlighted here! See MealPower stories from our featured influencers below.
CHEF ALI KHAN’S #MEALPOWER RECIPE FOR BÁNH MÌ
At Rise Against Hunger, #ItStartsWithaMeal because a meal can have a powerful impact on a person’s life. This is something Chef Ali Khan also knows to be true as a renowned cook and Food Network and Cooking Channel star. As part of the It Starts With a Meal movement, he’s shared his recipe for bánh mì, a Vietnamese classic, in this exclusive cooking class video.
Download the recipe card below and then watch the video to follow along as you try out this recipe!
TRY ALL THE #MEALPOWER RECIPES!
In honor of the It Starts With a Meal movement, food and lifestyle bloggers — @myvegetarianroots, @edyinethmelgarejo, @chocolateandcheeseplease, @shanelamari, @dolphia.n.arnstein and @jennerous_eats — shared the dishes featured below.
These dishes are special to each of them, highlighting the power of a meal in a person’s life. Download the recipe cards to try your hand at making these globally inspired dishes!
