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Carson Daly: I'm planting a garden to fight childhood hunger

As part of TODAY's Shine a Light series, a campaign to support worthy causes throughout the year, Carson has chosen to shine a light on childhood hunger and healthy eating. He's teamed up with KidsGardening.org, and they're on a mission to get a garden in every school across the country.If you want to help Carson fundraise or learn more about KidsGardening.org, visit his fundraising page at Cro

As part of TODAY's Shine a Light series, a campaign to support worthy causes throughout the year, Carson has chosen to shine a light on childhood hunger and healthy eating. He's teamed up with KidsGardening.org, and they're on a mission to get a garden in every school across the country.

If you want to help Carson fundraise or learn more about KidsGardening.org, visit his fundraising page at Crowdrise.com/Carson.

Kids who are hungry and live in food insecure homes can't afford to go out and buy healthy food. They buy what is quick, easy and above all cheap — typically fast food. They don’t have access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three children and adolescents in America is overweight or obese. Ironically, at the same time, the USDA reports that one in four American kids live in food insecure homes. That means they have to worry about getting enough to eat, every day. 

As a father, I couldn’t imagine not being able to provide my children with the nutritious food they need to grow and learn. It doesn't seem to make sense but many of the kids with weight issues are the very ones who are "hungry."

That's because processed foods are not the right foods. Childhood obesity and hunger are huge problems in our country and they go hand in hand. Kids need a healthy alternative that they can control.

I want to grow a garden to teach kids about better options. I want to teach them what foods will help end their hunger and let them grow.

We are giving them the power to battle hunger on their own turf and share what they learn throughout their communities. Some of the food they grow will go back to food banks and some will go home with classmates in need.

I can't feed every child in America, but I can help make a difference one kid and one garden at a time. 

A garden in one school won't end hunger in America, but a garden in every school is a great start.

Learn more about KidsGardening.org's mission and how you can donate to Carson's project by visiting his fundraising page at Crowdrise.com/Carson.

KidsGardening.org is a nonprofit dedicated to delivering education, nutrition, health, wellness and environmental stewardship through youth gardening programs, and does this through grant programs, curriculum, activities and lesson plans for educators and youth. You can learn more about how to support their mission and Carson's project at Crowdrise.com/Carson.