Ever skipped a meal and experienced those hunger pangs? Imagine skipping several meals in a row, or not knowing where you would find your next meal. That’s the situation facing millions of American children. Food Network’s national partnership with Share Our Strength attacks two of biggest issues facing children: hunger and obesity. Although quite opposite afflictions, they are very much related.

Food Network's Alton Brown digs in at Good Food Gardens build in Decatur, Ga.

These problems worsen in summer, when school-based meal programs go on hiatus. More than 21 million U.S. kids rely on free or reduced-price school lunches every day, but less than 3 million receive a free meal during the summer. That’s where Share Our Strength’s “No Kid Hungry in Summer” comes in, working with local partners across the country to connect kids with meals this summer. We’re also holding local events across the nation to draw attention to the problem.

Food Network maintains a deep commitment to raising awareness of these issues. Recently, we worked with hundreds of volunteers from Comcast and Boys & Girls Clubs to build Good Food Gardens in ten cities. These self-contained gardens help teach kids the origins of food, and encourage them to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Because the Good Food Gardens engage the kids on three important levels – using the hands, heads and hearts – they reap the benefits in more ways than even we imagined when we started this program. Each garden, when harvested, can feed up to 500 people each year. It’s a start, but there’s so much more to do.

Beyond the Good Food Gardens, Food Network participated in a June 6 fundraiser in Washington, D.C., that raised more than $250,000 to support Share Our Strength’s “No Kid Hungry” initiative. Guest speakers included Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges

Share Our Strength fundraiser, 6/6/11

Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges was guest of honor at Share Our Strength fundraiser, June 6, 2011 in Washington DC. The event raised more than $250k to support the "No Kid Hungry" initiative. From left: Chuck Scofield, Share Our Strength; Oscar-winner Jeff Bridges; Cindy McConkey, SVP, communications, (Food Network parent) Scripps Networks Interactive

and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), both of whom are staunch supporters of “No Kid Hungry.” Food Network worked with Bridges to produce a poignant public service announcement to raise awareness of the problem and inspire us all to take a stand against childhood hunger.

Senator Leahy has helped to lead the fight in Congress against hunger and is a longtime supporter of federal nutrition programs. He’s been a tremendous advocate, but he can’t do it alone. In just one minute, you can join us in building a bipartisan coalition dedicated to standing up for kids. By signing our quick petition, you can help us thank the elected officials across the country who are already on board with No Kid Hungry. You can also help encourage others who haven’t yet signed on to the campaign.