San Diego Wave's Kennedy Wesley Champions Food Security During Hunger Action Month

San Diego Wave's Kennedy Wesley Tackles Hunger with Compassion

Kennedy Wesley, a defender for the San Diego Wave FC, remembers her first impactful experience handing out food at a community summer event. What started as a simple act of kindness quickly ignited her passion for social responsibility, propelling her into a role as an advocate for food security in San Diego. This September, as Hunger Action Month unfolds, Wesley is teaming up with Feeding San Diego to raise funds and awareness about the pressing issue of food insecurity in the area.

A New Chapter in Giving Back

Wesley’s journey with Feeding San Diego began as she became aware of the transformative effect that access to food can have on families. During her volunteer efforts, she engaged with parents, listening to their stories of gratitude and challenges while they crafted soccer-themed crafts with their children. "Being an athlete, being able to be properly fueled is super important," Wesley emphasized, highlighting that everyone, regardless of their athletic background, needs proper nutrition to thrive in their daily lives.

Empowerment Through Awareness

Feeding San Diego, established in 2007, has emerged as a vital organization in the community, providing over 29 million meals annually. Wesley’s emerging partnership with the organization aims not only to fundraise but also to leverage her platform as a professional athlete to shed light on food insecurity. According to Carissa Casares, communication director for Feeding San Diego, Wesley's involvement has been instrumental as they navigate the challenges of increasing awareness and combating hunger.

Support the Cause

With a goal of reaching $500 in their inaugural fundraising effort through GoFundMe, Wesley's campaign is already halfway to its target within the first week of launch, thanks to the generous support of her community. It’s a clear reminder that public figures can play a significant role in promoting nonprofit work, drawing attention to humanitarian efforts that address critical issues like food insecurity. "Having support from public figures here in San Diego is incredibly important for nonprofits to keep operational and to continue the vital work they do throughout the year," noted Casares.

As the former Stanford University captain looks forward, she is committed to using her platform for positive change. Every dollar raised will provide two meals for someone in need, which makes participation even more impactful. For residents of San Diego, there’s an opportunity to not just witness athletes like Wesley give back, but to become active participants in eradicating hunger in their own community. Join the effort this Hunger Action Month; your help can change lives.