Rachael Ray's mission to help the hungry

Thanksgiving is just over a week away and celebrity cook, Rachael Ray is on a mission to help the hungry in a very big way.

Rachael says the face of hunger is not what you think it is. It has changed drastically and dramatically over the last decade.

And, that's why she was motivated to act.

In this, the 9th season of the Rachael Ray show, she's launched the 9 Million Meals Challenge.

"I hope a day comes very soon where a challenge like this is no longer necessary, especially in this country where we have food aplenty. But for now, it is still an urgent call. We're in crisis mode," said Rachael.

We now all know people in our families and our neighborhoods that are among the working poor or people who live on public assistance.

The most recent government data shows 49 million Americans, 16 million of them children, worry about where their next meal will come from.

Rachael launched her 9 Million Meals campaign in September and already has raised 1.4 million meals for those in need.

She says just a little help goes a very long way.

"Every one dollar feeds 10 people and $1 buys 10 meals for people at risk of going hungry, and the working poor," said Rachael.

Rachael is also partnering with No Kid Hungry and Feeding America, which works with 60,000 food pantries across the country, including Philabundance here in our area.

"Our families really need help and that's what they are; these are hard-working, loving, dedicated people who just need a little assistance right now," added Rachael.

For more information visit the Rachael Ray Show/9-million meals.