Hunger Squad 2016 Revealed By Sodexo

Each year, Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation recognizes a new squad of hunger fighters aged 5 to 25 who have made a significant impact in the fight against hunger. These fighters are honored with a scholarship or grant, receiving $5,000 for their education as well as a matching grant in their name for the hunger-related charity of their choice. The Foundation has provided $629,000 in scholarships and grants since 2007.

Sodexo recently announced the 20ish under 20ish Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholars for 2016, which featured those leveraging their powers to combat hunger and to impact their communities across America.

Here are the 2016 20ish under 20ish National Hunger Scholars:

Ian McKenna Goncalo (A.K.A. The Giving Gardener) • Age: 11 • Austin, TX

Seventh-grader Ian McKenna Goncalo started gardens in local schools to give hungry students access to fresh produce, all while teaching students how to use the gardens.

Olivia Hodge (A.K.A. The Snack Packer) • Age: 17 • Blacksburg, VA

Olivia Hodge, a senior in high school, organized a snack closet in her school for her peers coming to school hungry.

Brianna LaFran Moore (A.K.A. The General) • Age: 20 • Oak Park, MI

As a Michigan State University sophomore, Brianna LaFran Moore created a charity out of her passion for feeding people called Operation Warm Up/Warm Heart.

Jackson Silverman (A.K.A. Mr. Big Heart) • Age: 11 • Charleston, SC

When he was only 7 years old, Jackson Silverman started I Heart Hungry Kids to organize monthly parties engaging peers to pack bags of healthy food for those in need.

Hannah Steinberg (A.K.A. The Couponer) • Age: 20 • Scarsdale, NY

Junior Hannah Steinberg of Tufts University clips coupons to shop for groceries and other goods at discounted or even free prices, which she donates to local homeless shelters with over 150 families.

“According to the USDA, 48 million Americans are at risk of hunger, including 15 million children,” said Shondra Jenkins, Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation executive director, in the press release. “The 20ish under 20ish Hunger Squad is actively involved in shaping America’s future by creating innovative models and solutions to eliminate hunger.”

Delivering more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life, Sodexo is a global Fortune 500 company that is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and food service operations. Learn more here.