According to the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, in 2019, 34 million people lived in poverty in America.  As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, 1 in 6 people (more than 50 million people), including 1 in 4 children (approximately 17 million children) in the United States are experiencing food insecurity in 2021. To help solve this problem, a Senior Barren County 4-H member received one of 106  nation wide $250 grant from the Sodexo for Stop Hunger Program Youth in conjunction with Barren County 4-H to participate in Global Youth Service Day.  The youth led projects raise awareness of the problem while providing valuable skills for youth in conducting programs and gaining a sense of community.

The project included a food drive for the Barren County Reads and Feeds Program that during the past year has provided over 70,000 meals for students throughout the city and county. The Barren County 4-H’er with the help of other 4-H members conducted a Cloverbud Camp for 12 excited youth.  They learned about the world hunger problems through arts and crafts, nature, songs and dances and books.  The admission for the Cloverbud Camp were some canned goods or books. In conjunction with the local Farmer’s Market, the 4-H’er planned a Drive Thru Food or Book Drive. She received over 200 pounds of food and books to be distributed locally. This community service project brought the realization that many of our local families are in need of assistance. The grant provided funding for the Cloverbud Camp, advertising and awareness that 4-H’er care about their communities!!! The Global Youth Service Day is the largest youth service day in the world.