I’m Lauren Lofton, and I am a Mt. Airy native and sophomore at 21st Century Cyber Charter School. 

I am proud to have been selected to represent the state of Pennsylvania as the 2016 Miss Black Teen US Ambassador and look forward to promoting issues of importance for youth, specifically African-American youth, in my community, state and nation.

My passion and goals are to drive childhood hunger away from my community and beyond through my platform, Project C.H.E.W. (Childhood Hunger Eradicated Worldwide). I believe that food is a right, not a privilege, and everyone, no matter their income or personal background, should have a place at the table. Since 2013, I have taken action by volunteering at local food pantries and community meal programs. This has allowed me to see firsthand that there are children in my community who are going to bed hungry each night and going to school without a healthy, nutritious breakfast.

I also am excited about being on the Weavers Way Co-op Food Justice Committee. My family has shopped at the Co-op for many years, but when my dad was laid off from his job a few years ago, my mom stopped shopping at Weavers Way and started looking for cheaper alternatives. I realize how fortunate I am now that we are once again Co-op members and enjoy the great, healthy, local food choices that are offered. However, this is not the case with so many other kids, and it hurts to know that 20 percent* of a generation, my generation, is food-insecure.

That’s why this issue is so important to me, because although I’ve never suffered from hunger, I do know what it’s like for families and parents to sometimes have to buy less healthy, less expensive foods to stretch their food budget. Being on the Food Justice Committee allows me to connect with others who are as passionate about this issue as I am. Even though I am working hard to put a stop to hunger, I know and understand that it takes more than just one person. 

In July, I will travel to Oklahoma City for the national pageant where I hope to win the overall title of Miss Black Teen US Ambassador, which will give me an opportunity to share my platform on a national level.

*According to Child Hunger Facts, FeedingAmerica.org