Actress Kristin Davis Honored by Action Against Hunger As Humanitarian Needs Rise

With rising humanitarian needs in hotspots around the world, Action Against Hunger is working to increase awareness around its lifesaving work. At its gala in New York on October 19, 2023, the nonprofit invited long-time supporters, celebrities, and humanitarians to reflect on recent progress, address today’s challenges, and come together to raise over $1 million to fight hunger in the world’s most vulnerable communities. Kristin Davis, a longtime advocate of social justice and Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, was honored with Action Against Hunger’s Humanitarian Award.

Davis appeared visibly moved as she delivered a heartfelt speech and recounted her firsthand experiences meeting refugees. Davis has traveled to Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Bangladesh—all regions where Action Against Hunger works—to support families that have had to flee violence and leave their homes behind. CNN host Zain Asher spoke with Davis about how Davis is using her platform to shed light on the plight of displaced people.

“There are many times I have been to these disasters and these crises, and no one is reporting on them,” Davis said, explaining her struggle to spread awareness and commending Zain on her coverage. “It’s not an easy topic to get people to talk about, and it’s not an easy topic to gather people around—like all you beautiful people here tonight—and to give up yourselves and your own money. But it really, I believe, changes the world.”

Davis thanked the audience for giving and for standing up for something hopeful and positive when the world is in turmoil. She recounted watching families make long, exhausting treks in search of shelter. In 2011, during one of Somalia’s worst life-threatening droughts, Davis traveled to Tanzania and saw the Somali refugee crisis firsthand. She remembers children who had lost their homes, beds, clothes—and even their parents.

As conflict causes the global displacement crisis to escalate, Action Against Hunger programs support displaced people and local communities alike, reaching more than 28 million people last year alone. It focuses on projects designed to empower local leaders and co-create lasting solutions for communities in 55 countries.

Dr. Charles E. Owubah, Action Against Hunger’s CEO, reminded attendees that hunger is solvable. “Tonight, you are standing up for equality, since food is a basic human right. You are standing up for human potential, since opportunity begins where hunger ends. And, you are standing up for hope that a better world is possible," he said.

Guests of note included actresses Sarita Choudhury and Karen Pittman. The program highlighted additional honorees, who urged guests to push for change. CNN Host Zain Asher introduced Avery Dennison, which was recognized with the Corporate Impact Award, and Ritah Kabanyoro, Action Against Hunger’s Country Director for Uganda, who received this year’s Leadership Award.

Kabanyoro, who grew up experiencing debilitating hunger, emphasized how she never believed she would receive such an award. At seven years old, she was fainting daily due to malnutrition. She now leads innovative programs in Uganda, evidence of how far society has come in creating a healthier world. “I’ve dedicated my life to this work because I believe every one of us is called to better the lives of others,” she told the audience. “Tonight, you are making lives better.”

Davis agreed, recognizing Action Against Hunger’s innovative responses and commitment to helping families battle malnutrition. “You cannot underestimate the effect that these small things to us have on these peoples’ lives,” she said.

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 28 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 55 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.