Tanya Thampi-Sen Putting food on the table for those in need Illustration by Destynie Davis, Hancock Healthy Times People who are hungry are more likely to be hospitalized and to stay there longer. They are also more likely to experience anxiety, she says. To combat hunger, Ms. Thampi-Sen and her coalition colleagues raise money for food pantries and soup kitchens. They give nutritional advice, such as how to prepare fruits and vegetables that are in season. They work with the governor and other elected officials to find ways to reduce hunger. Each day through their hotline, the coalition staff members help 30 to 40 people, Ms. Thampi-Sen says. They may direct them to food pantries or soup kitchens. Or the callers may qualify for SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps). The coalition staff members assist them in applying for food benefits. Ms. Thampi-Sen says she is particularly proud that the coal- ition started a program in 2002 to help people who were eligible for SNAP benefits, but weren’t getting them. Since then, Ms. Thampi-Sen and her colleagues have helped 50,000 needy families obtain SNAP benefits. Many people don’t know where they will get their next meal. It may be unafford- able or unavailable, says Tanya Thampi- Sen. Her job at the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger is to help connect people with food and to find permanent solutions. About one in four people in Philadelphia is at risk of hunger. Ms. Thampi-Sen has helped build the hunger coalition into an important source of food assistance in the region. The group’s goal is for all people in the community “to have the food they need to lead healthy lives.” Ms. Thampi-Sen has worked for the coalition for a dozen years and is its community nutrition program manager. Hunger is a big health issue. Young children may not develop properly if they do not have adequate nutrition, Ms. Thampi-Sen says.