Watch Growing Hope Against Hunger – Preview on PBS. See more from pbs.

Throughout the year great television programs are not only honored for the entertainment that they provide, but also for the educational impact that they have on the audience.    One program, Hollywood Health and Society, gives out annual Sentinel of Health Awards to television programs that most accurately address different health issues.  There are varied programs and all may tackle a different issue.  Behind the judging is the CDC (Center for Disease Control).

This year, in the area of Children Program,   Sesame Street received a first place Sentinel of Health Award for their portrayal of food insecurity in the special “Growing Hope Against Hunger.”   In the special Sesame Street showed families that were struggling to consistently provide food for their families.    Several different families were included that spoke about their personal situations.    They also discussed ways that they were coping, including: creating vegetable gardens, and getting food from a food banks.

The special, featuring Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams Paisley originally aired on PBS stations in October 2011.    If you are interested in see the program, the video is currently viewable on the Sesame Workshop website.    Along with the video there are also helpful resources about how to eat well while on a limited budget.