The issue of hunger first crystallized for me in the 1980s, when the AIDS crisis was decimating New York at an incredible rate. I had quite a few close friends and colleagues who were stricken with the disease early on. As devastating as their experiences were, they were fortunate to be surrounded by friends and family.

It made me think, what if this happens to someone who doesn't have anyone to help? So I got involved with God's Love We Deliver, a local organization that brings home-cooked meals to people who are ill, making strangers feel like neighbors in a small town.

We all fantasize about those idyllic communities where Mrs. Johnson comes over with chicken soup when you're sick or