WhyHunger's Amplified: Annual Hungerthon Kickoff Concert Presented by EY Comes To New York’s Irving Plaza On October 15

Event Raises Critical Funds To Help End Hunger And The Injustices That Cause It

August 29, 2024 — WhyHunger, a non-profit working to end world hunger and the injustices that cause it, announces Amplified Presented by EY – the 2nd annual concert kick-off to its Hungerthon fund-raising campaign, now in its 39th year. The electrifying event coming to New York’s Irving Plaza on Tuesday, October 15 features a range of talent across funk, blues, hip hop, and soul, including iconic Grammy Award winners and Tonight Show house band The Roots, acclaimed guitar prodigy Grace Bowers and her band The Hodge Podge and exciting special guests to be announced.

The Roots (Photo Credit: Joshua Kissi)      Grace Bowers (Photo Credit: David McClister)

Committed to addressing hunger’s myriad social and economic causes, WhyHunger - founded by the late singer/songwriting Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayers in 1975 - has music in its DNA. WhyHunger has partnered with iHeartRadio as the Premier Audio Partner for Amplified to harness the power of music to fuel the food justice movement. Relix magazine called last year’s inaugural Amplified “a dynamic showcase of sound,” and “a lively and soulful dance party.”

Tickets can be purchased HERE. Funds raised will directly support WhyHunger’s work to end hunger and protect the human right to nutritious food. For more information visit WhyHunger.org/Amplified.

The Roots shared, “It’s hard to think of a more worthy goal than helping people worldwide to access food. We’re honored to join WhyHunger for a great night of music and proud to support the work they do - making the world a better place.”

Grace Bowers remarked, “It’s a privilege to support the legendary band The Roots for such an incredible cause like WhyHunger. We’re excited about the opportunity to raise money and awareness for community-led solutions that help feed those in need."

WhyHunger’s Executive Director Jenique Jones said, “We’re thrilled to hold our second annual Amplified - a joyous celebration of music that raises awareness of our important mission. Nutritious food is a human right, but one often denied. We’re proud of our work worldwide to address the social, environmental, racial, and economic injustice at the root of hunger, and we hope you’ll join us in this ongoing journey toward justice.”

WhyHunger Executive Director Jenique Jones

About WhyHunger

WhyHunger was founded in 1975 by the late musician Harry Chapin and Radio DJ Bill Ayreson the fundamental belief that access to nutritious food is a human right and hunger is a solvable problem in a world of abundance. What began as a simple commitment between two friends to make a difference has grown into a global non-profit, celebrating 49 years of supporting social movements and grassroots innovation to change the systems, policies, and institutions that perpetuate hunger and poverty in our world.

The organization has invested in community-led solutions that equip people to nourish themselves. It provides funding, training, and other resources to grassroots organizations across the United States and in 23 countries, championing local control of food access from seed to market to plate. WhyHunger over the last three years connected more than 3.5 million people to nutritious local food and invested $6.8 million globally to support sustainable agriculture and effective solutions to hunger. Since its start, WhyHunger’s Artists Against Hunger & Poverty program has engaged countless musicians and raised millions for WhyHunger’s community-based partners and programs.  

About WhyHunger Executive Director Jenique Jones

Jenique Jones guides the strategic direction of the organization - ensuring that its policies, culture, and practices fulfill WhyHunger’s mission. With a diverse background in government and nonprofits including the New York State Senate and the NYC Department of Education, Jenique came to WhyHunger after 14 years at one of the largest food rescue organizations, City Harvest. As its Vice President of Program Operations and Policy, she oversaw the distribution of tens of millions of pounds of food to soup kitchens, food pantries, and community food programs throughout New York City. Jenique has been steadfast in her efforts to improve the lives of marginalized and underserved populations and make a difference in the world.

Jenique has responded to numerous emergency and disaster situations. Extending her role at City Harvest and as a member of Feeding America, she spearheaded the distribution of over 500 million pounds of food in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She also oversaw infrastructure projects to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy and supported food banks in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Jenique excels in defining strategies that align with WhyHunger’s vision and drive programmatic growth. A native New Yorker, Jenique lives in Brooklyn, NY with her wife, Kayla.