Hello! My name is Nia Hooper, and I am a Junior at Denison University majoring in Educational Studies. My passion for community involvement, helping and educating others has always been an integral part of my life, and I thought working for a nonprofit would be an immensely rewarding experience for this summer. I am so excited and honored to be a part of the Columbus Foundation’s Summer Fellowship program this summer and to be paired with my top choice, Children’s Hunger Alliance (CHA).

My first week at Children’s Hunger Alliance has been filled with new explorations, new faces and experiences nevertheless. On my first day, I was greeted by each member of the team upon arrival. Everyone at Children’s Hunger Alliance was so welcoming and encouraging. At the beginning of the week, I had a tour of CHA’s beautiful office building and met with several great members of Children’s Hunger Alliance who helped me understand the huge impact that Children’s Hunger Alliance has made in Ohio for over 50 years helping children facing food insecurity.

CHA is dedicated to serving children experiencing food insecurity. Children’s Hunger Alliance mission is to ensure that children without access receive healthy food, nutrition education and physical activity. CHA partners with in-home childcare providers, childcare centers, afterschool and summer programs to provide balanced, healthy meals to children in their care.

Although my first week at CHA was very busy, the highlight of my week was most definitely helping at the Children’s Hunger Alliance Warehouse facility. My final day of the week was spent at CHA’s nearby warehouse, to make meal boxes which are then distributed at meal sites all across the state. We packaged shelf-stable Weekend Meal components into convenient grab-and-go boxes so these meals are distributed around the state to feed hungry kids on the weekend. It was great seeing so many young people who have a heart for service come together to ensure that children and their families won’t have to stress about food over the weekend.

This is such an exciting time, and I am eager to take part in the adventures that lie ahead as well as to grow professionally and personally. I am so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to begin my second week!