In early April, the Trump administration ended millions of dollars in funding to the United Nations World Food Program.
According to the Associated Press, the funding cuts were aimed at emergency programs that provide food and lifesaving assistance to millions of people worldwide — including in Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and 11 other poverty-stricken or war-torn countries.
After the announcement, the World Food Program said the decision could amount “to a death sentence for millions of people facing extreme hunger and starvation.”
Not long after, Rachel Griffin Accurso — better known worldwide as beloved children’s educator “Ms. Rachel” — heeded the call.
On April 22, Accurso and her husband, Aron, announced that they would be donating $1 million to the World Food Program USA.
“This gift will help WFP provide 2 million lifesaving meals to those who need it most,” the agency shared on Instagram. “We are beyond grateful for their support — it will truly save and change lives.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you do in support of our mission for a zero hunger world.
Six months after her generous donation, Accurso has been named a Glamour Woman of the Year. When asked about her legacy, she said that legacy wasn’t “important.”
“I just want to serve God and others every day in every way I can, and speak up for children and help children who are in unimaginable situations every day to the best of my ability, every moment,” Accurso told Glamour.
“It’s been painful, but I always think about what people in Gaza are going through,” she went on to say. “And I also think about what kind of pain I would feel if I knew that I didn’t say anything and could have helped.”
In the past year, Accurso has consistently called for an end to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza — despite the criticism she’s drawn online.
“I didn’t know just how dehumanized Palestinians are before I started doing this work,” she said. “I did have a Palestinian mom say on a Zoom really early, ‘Thank you for seeing our children as human,’ and I just couldn’t believe she had to thank me for that.”
“It’s just how everyone should see every child in this world,” she continued. “I don’t know how we can value one child’s life over another child’s life in this world. They’re all equal and we just need to treat them all like the precious, beautiful gift they are.”
In the past year, the “Songs for Littles” singer has raised over $1,050,000 for various aid efforts benefiting children in Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine.
“I see all children as precious and equal,” Accurso said in an interview with Democracy Now! “My deep care for children doesn't stop at any border.”
Accurso said that her inspiration stems from her early love for “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
“I grew up loving Mister Rogers, and I used to go up to the TV and try and block the trolley from leaving because I didn't want the show to end,” Accurso said. “He just meant so much to me as a kid.
“He had such deep care for children, and he took media so seriously — that it should really serve children, and that it's a big responsibility,” she added. “I think about that responsibility all the time.”
Accurso regularly makes headlines for her generosity and kindness of spirit.
In the spring, she added her voice to a helpline in an interactive children’s exhibit designed to comfort people on their “roughest day.”
Last September, she talked about her experience with pregnancy loss and “rainbow babies” to comfort other grieving parents.
She’s also fought hard for inclusion in parenting circles, doubling down on her support for same-sex couples after a Pride Month post received backlash.
“Happy Pride to all of our wonderful families and friends,” Accurso said in a TikTok video. “This month and every month, I celebrate you! I’m so glad you’re here, I’m so glad you’re exactly who you are.”
“To those who are going to comment [that] they can’t watch the show anymore because of this support, no worries and much love your way, God bless,” Accurso added. “I am not chasing fame or views, I’m standing strong in love.”
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Header image via Glamour
