5 Questions with Rachel Wilson, Athens-McMinn Family YMCA
Rachel Wilson is a No Kid Hungry Youth Ambassador working this summer at the Athens-McMinn Family YMCA. The Youth Ambassador program is a ten-week paid internship program for undergraduate students to help end childhood hunger in their communities. Learn more about No Kid Hungry’s youth engagement here.
No Kid Hungry Tennessee spoke with Rachel about the challenges, opportunities, and impact of feeding kids through summer meals.
Can you describe your community? What do you love about it?
My community is a small remote hometown feeling area. Growing up in a small town community has been a blessing in disguise and has made me love where I live. After high school I decided to move away and go all the way to Chicago to experience what life was outside of Athens TN. But little did I know how much my hometown meant to me. There are many things that I love about where I live but I would say what I love most is the people in my community. I have learned that just a friendly smile and a hello goes a long way for building relationships within the community.
How did you decide to become a Youth Ambassador? What have you learned from the experience so far?
I knew that I wanted to come back and work for the YMCA this summer because I loved the summer feeding program so much. So whenever I heard about the No Kid Hungry Internship I knew this was meant to be. Through this internship I have learned how important it is to prioritize children’s health and well-being.
What are the most memorable parts of your experience as a Youth Ambassador?
The most memorable parts are working with the children who I serve but also my coworkers. They have made this summer a blast and make work fun and memorable.
What are some of the challenges you or your organization are facing?
Some challenges we are facing would be food variety options, food supply issues, and the obstacle ahead of transitioning to CACFP.
If you could tell everyone in America something about childhood hunger or summer meals programs, what would you tell them?
Childhood hunger is a worldwide crisis and a challenge that most Americans face. It isn’t something that should be pitied but rather it is something to advocate and stand up for what is right, which is that every child should be fed and fed well. Whether that is from giving another child your lunch or standing up for a child who may have nothing. As an American I believe we should all be a leader and advocate for these children so that their voices may be heard.