Jamaica, Queens – Alayna Khan, a 7th grade student of Scholars Academy, community activist and Baisley Pond Park Block Association junior member since 2014 from Jamaica, Queens has been awarded a Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Youth Grant through Youth Service America (YSA). The grant will support Khan in leading a community service project that addresses the issue of childhood hunger.
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. A 2019 report by the Food Bank for New York City, found that Community District 12, which represents Hollis, Jamaica, and St. Albans, has the highest levels of food insecurity. This is a problem that can be solved, and young people are a part of the solution. Youth-led activities will take place on Global Youth Service Day, April 23-25, 2021.
“My goal is to assemble a volunteer team to fundraise at least $500 for the Bethel Gospel Church food pantry. This project is critical because no child should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said Khan, “I would like to thank Sodexo for giving me this amazing opportunity to make an impact in my community.”
