Do you know what it’s like to be hungry? Do you know where your next meal is coming from? And when you are going to get it? Well, the NOT knowing is a harsh reality for many people in my community.
In the state of West Virginia, one out of every five children lives in hunger. That’s 73,770 children a year, according to feedingamerica.org. Hold on, let me start from the beginning…
Hi!
My name is Abby. I am the ten-year-old CEO and founder of The Photosynthesizing Farmer. But, I wasn’t always a CEO and founder of my own business.
Ever since I was little, I noticed that people were hungry and this made me sad. I believe that no one should ever be hungry. I think it’s what has fueled my desire to help others the way that I do.
When I was 6 years old, I understood that I could donate my time to help people. I also understood that I could make a bigger impact if I had money. That was the year I got to work making things to raise money to give to my local homeless shelter’s feeding program. I received a very special community award for my efforts. It was called the, Hometown Hero Award! At the time, I was the youngest person to have ever received it. My story even made the front page of the newspaper a few days later!
Fast-forwarding to today, I have officially developed and launched a new product designed to bring families together by providing an educational experience of how to cultivate plants, plant history, and how to use the plant after it has grown.
This product launch will also assist me in working with community gardens and organizations to help decrease food insecurities and increase food independence. I plan to reach 500 families in the next five years. Alone we can do a little, together we can do a lot.
Along my path of success, I have had a lot of help. My support group is one of a kind. My parents are and have always been there for me, no matter what. I know that I can lean on them for support anytime I need it. RAMFAM is my Raising A Mogul Family. They have taught me many skills needed for running my own business. My 4-H mentors have played a huge role in my journey as well. They have helped me grow my love for being a gardener and a farmer. The rest of my family and friends have been very supportive too.
In ten years from now, I envision myself continuing to build relationships with community gardens and partners to foster food independence in neighborhoods across the United States. I believe that community responsibility belongs to all of us. We must do our part to make communities better for all people.
I have one thing to say to other kids and even adults that want to make a difference, and that is to use your voice. Be heard. Do not be afraid to step up and stand out.
“Feeding people is a way of loving them.”
Shauna Niequist
I know more now than ever that she is right. Feeding people is a way of loving them. And a good way indeed. It is also my way, which officially makes me a ReWriter!
