Name: Nadia Salman
Where do you go to school? Cornell College
Where are you working? Gleaner’s Food Bank in Detroit, Michigan
Describe yourself in a gif!
What song are you playing on repeat this summer? “Anita” by Smino
What’s your favorite part about being a Youth Ambassador?
By going to Detroit meal sites with our “Fun Mobile”, we get to help communities of children build relationships with each other, with food, and with activity. It’s come to the point where I know probably 40 kids’ names across different neighborhoods in the Detroit area. I’m excited to continue our work, be able to learn more names, more of their stories, and try to make a sustainable impact on the way they look at food, play, and community.
Why are you passionate about ending hunger?
No one can be expected to be a functioning student, employee, teammate, friend, or loved one when you’re battling hunger pains. I’m passionate about leveling the playing field.
What’s one thing you have learned this summer?
I’ve re-learned something that I already knew: no one wants to feel like a charity case. I’ve learned that maybe the most important part of a free meal initiative is understanding where people are coming from, why they’re not participating, or why they are. Actually providing food is sometimes only half of the work.
What would you say to someone your age looking to get involved?
You can help in small ways; today does not need to be the day you single handedly save the world. Volunteer once a month or once a week, donate $5, share the cause on social media. Do what you can with what you have.
If you could tell the world one thing about hunger, what would you say?
Hunger is a human rights issue! And YOU can help change the narrative of hunger’s devastating effects.
