Lily the Newest Member of Sesame Street Wants Everyone to Know about Hunger and Children

Watch Growing Hope Against Hunger - Preview on PBS. See more from pbs.

Finding ways to alleviate hunger and provide proper nutrition to young people has become a major issue in this country, particularly, since the economic downturn. Last October, Sesame Street introduced a character to address some of the issues of hunger through a child’s point of view. Lily, a new character whose family is having economic problems was introduced to children. Her character was an opportunity for young people to develop empathy toward those in need, and for those who are experiencing hunger to realize there is hope.  Months of research, interviews with parents and children and character development went into creating Lily.  Lily will not be a full time member of Sesame Street but will appear on the website to address issues. In the special, “Growing Hope Against Hunger,”  shown last year Lily along with Elmo, and Brad and Kimberly Paisley discusses solutions like community projects and urban gardening.  Sesame Street is using their site to provide information for families on making it through stressful times.  Now families can meet Lily, and discuss their concerns.