TORONTO, Ohio — Actress and producer Lucy Hale is using her platform to draw attention to global hunger. In April 2026, the United Nations World Food Program appointed Hale as its newest global Goodwill Ambassador. In this role, she advocates on behalf of more than 318 million people facing extreme hunger. Here is more information about Lucy Hale and global hunger.
Lucy Hale and Global Hunger: Building a Partnership With WFP
Hale began supporting WFP in 2024. Since then, she has used social media campaigns and fundraising appeals to generate support for communities experiencing hunger in Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan and Ukraine. In December 2024, Hale joined WFP Goodwill Ambassador Andrew Zimmern in an end-of-year appeal encouraging the public to support the organization’s work.
Turning Visibility Into Action
Hale has promoted several WFP campaigns through her online platform. In March 2025, she encouraged followers to support emergency assistance following the earthquake in Myanmar. She later participated in a fundraising sweepstakes with Zimmern and promoted WFP USA’s “Fill the Silence” campaign. In December 2025, Hale released a Giving Tuesday fundraising appeal supporting WFP’s work in Gaza and Sudan. The video received 2 million views, demonstrating her ability to bring humanitarian crises before a large audience.
Why the Advocacy Matters
Hale’s advocacy comes as hunger and malnutrition remain serious global challenges. According to the 2026 Global Report on Food Crises, approximately 266 million people across 47 countries and territories experienced high levels of acute food insecurity in 2025. About 35.5 million children experienced acute malnutrition, including nearly 10 million who suffered from severe acute malnutrition.
Beyond Emergency Food Assistance
WFP addresses immediate hunger while helping vulnerable communities prepare for future crises. Its programs include emergency food assistance, cash transfers, school meals and support for small-scale farmers, connecting short-term relief with education, livelihoods and economic resilience.
A Personal Connection
Hale’s interest in hunger relief is connected to her family background. Her father is a farmer and her mother is a nurse, which has influenced her concern for small-scale farmers, women and children. As a Goodwill Ambassador, Hale also plans to mobilize young people and encourage them to become involved in efforts to end hunger.
Looking Ahead
Although celebrity advocacy alone cannot end food insecurity, Hale’s work with WFP can introduce humanitarian issues to a large audience and encourage people to learn more, donate and support communities experiencing hunger.
– Jessica Miller
Jessica is based in Toronto, Ohio, United States and focuses on Celebs for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons