Each month, we will be spotlighting a powerful read that reflects our values—stories that inspire, educate, and connect us to our shared pursuit of justice, growth, and community wellness. Whether it’s fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or memoir, these titles lift up voices that deserve to be heard and fuel the kind of conversations that move us forward.
This month’s children’s book pick is Food for Hope: How John van Hengel Invented Food Banks for the Hungry. Food for Hope tells the true story of how John van Hengel helped create the world’s first food bank in 1967, starting with St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix, after realizing that good food was being wasted while people went hungry.
Inspired by a simple idea, he launched a system to collect and share surplus food, sparking a movement that transformed hunger relief across the country.
Author Jeff Gottesfeld is an award-winning writer known for children and young adult books that explore themes of justice, compassion, and social responsibility. Michelle Laurentia Agatha is a children’s book illustrator and designer currently working at Room to Read in San Francisco, where she helps create visual stories that inspire young readers around the world.
📚 Want to read along? You can find this book on Amazon or wherever you get your books.
About the Authors
Jeff Gottesfeld is an award-winning author known for writing books for children and young adults that explore themes of justice, compassion, and social responsibility. His work often highlights real-world issues and untold histories, helping young readers understand complex topics through accessible and engaging storytelling.
Michelle Laurentia Agatha is a children’s book illustrator and designer currently working at Room to Read in San Francisco, where she helps create visual stories that inspire young readers around the world. She also works as a freelance UX designer and concept artist.