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Barack Obama surprises Chicago foodbank volunteers to help prepare Thanksgiving meals for the needy
Former President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. He decided to help prepare Thanksgiving meals before the holiday.
The Obama Foundation took to Twitter on Wednesday to share the details about the trip. They posted a video which included a call to action from Obama.
"Wherever you are in the country, I'll bet there's an organization just like this one that is doing some really good work. Make sure that you give them some support as we go into the holiday season." said Obama
The Greater Chicago @FoodDepository is a local non-profit organization that provides nourishing food for those in need. This Thanksgiving week, @BarackObama stopped by to give back. pic.twitter.com/I5ce5ypvEG
— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) November 21, 2018
In some of the clips posted this weekend, Obama is seen helping to prep the food. In other clips, he speaks about the great work done by the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
The non-profit organization's aims to combat hunger and food insecurity. This mission is extremely important as America has seen a rise in the national food hardship rate for all households for the first time in several years.
Thanks to the Chicago @FoodDepository team for all you do and to the volunteers who are doing great work and let me crash today. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! https://t.co/r4QeBeCoT1
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 21, 2018
According to a report released in August by the Food Research and Action Center, the national food hardship rate for all households increased from 15.1 percent in 2016 to 15.7 percent in 2017. While the food hardship rate for households with children rose from 17.5 percent in 2016 to 18.4 percent in 2017.
Nationally, households with children have a food hardship rate that is 1.3 times higher than for households without children.
Thank you to @BarackObama and @ObamaFoundation for joining our volunteers today at the Food Depository. We believe no one should go hungry, especially this time of year, and that’s why we’re working to address the root causes of hunger in Chicago and Cook County. pic.twitter.com/d6YfBjvJl2
— Chicago’s Food Bank (@FoodDepository) November 20, 2018
"They do great work making sure that those aren't as fortunate are able to enjoy the kind of Thanksgiving meal that so many of us take for granted" ~ Obama about the Chicago Food Depository
During his visit, Obama also took time to chat with other volunteers. He focused on motivating the younger volunteers and encouraging them to continue helping within their communities.
Chicago food bank gets hand from Barack Obama with Thanksgiving prep https://t.co/0DPL4pAHS5 pic.twitter.com/ammWa1JZyz
— WUSA9 (@wusa9) November 22, 2018
Combatting world hunger has been a focus of Obama from his days as President. In 2009, his administration pledged $3.5 billion over three years to a Feed the Future initiative and in 2016, he signed the Global Food Security Act to bolster government efforts toward Feed the Future initiatives.
Nationally, households with children have a food hardship rate that is 1.3 times higher than for households without children.
"Wherever you are in the country, I'll bet there's an organization just like this one."
— ABC News (@ABC) November 21, 2018
Former Pres. Barack Obama visits the Greater Chicago Food Depository and encourages the public to get involved with charitable organizations during the holiday season. https://t.co/Yi7RxI5uk0 pic.twitter.com/4n6AFC1mOU
With the current state of the households across America, Obama has spoken out a few times against the current government. Recently he had gently critiqued the Trump administration by saying, “You literally can remake the world right now, because it badly needs remaking."
