Robert Hahn Urges Americans to Take Action Against Hidden Hunger and Forgotten Communities

Washington, D.C, District of Columbia Jun 26, 2025 (Issuewire.com) Robert Hahn, a veteran nonprofit executive and Chief Advancement Officer at Birmingham Green, is sounding the alarm about food insecurity, aging care, and overlooked poverty in both U.S. and international communities. After nearly two decades leading hunger-relief and development efforts, Hahn is calling on everyday people to take small but meaningful steps to help solve big problems starting in their own backyard.

Youve got to really care, Hahn says. Donors, partners they can tell when you're faking it. But if you listen, if you show up, you can build real trust. Thats when the good stuff happens.

A Career Rooted in Ending Hunger

Hahns journey began in 2008, when he founded End Hunger in Calvert County. It started with just a few churches and food pantries. It grew into a powerhouse network of 150+ partners, serving over 25,000 people per year. Hahn raised $10 million, built a 40,000-square-foot food warehouse, and launched job training programs to help hundreds transition from dependency to independence.

In 2022, he expanded the model across Southern Maryland through a new nonprofit, End Hunger in Southern Maryland, uniting 73 feeding partners.

Hunger is still a hidden crisis in rural America, Hahn says. Just because its not on the news doesnt mean it isnt real.

According to the USDA, nearly 34 million Americans, including 9 million children, live in food-insecure households. In rural communities, access to food pantries and grocery stores is even more limited.

Going Beyond Borders

In 2013, Hahn took his mission global, founding Honduras Compassion Partners (HCP). His team helped launch a certified high school program, built medical clinics, and created a 17-acre international training campus. HCP also delivered life-saving firefighting equipment and sent over 2,000 volunteers to support development projects in La Paz, Honduras.

We didnt just show up and leave, Hahn says. We became part of the community. Thats the only way lasting change works.

HCP raised $1 million+ to improve access to water, education, and emergency services in Central America.

Senior Care: The New Frontier

Today, Hahns focus has shifted toward another rising crisis: Americas aging population. As Chief Advancement Officer at Birmingham Green, hes working to build awareness and funding for elder care services that are often overlooked.

In just one year, he tripled donor giving, secured six-figure grants, and rebuilt the organizations public profile.

This is the next big issue, Hahn warns. Were getting older as a country, and our systems arent ready. If we dont talk about this now, well be facing a silent crisis.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over the age of 65. Many will require long-term care but lack the support or infrastructure to get it.

Start With Listening

Rather than asking for donations, Hahn is urging people to start by listening to their communities, neighbors, and overlooked voices.

Sometimes the hardest part is getting people to care about problems they cant see, Hahn says. But if you frame it right, they will. And theyll act.

He encourages individuals to:

• Volunteer at local food pantries or senior care homes
  
  
• Support local nonprofits through word-of-mouth or small monthly gifts
  
  
• Ask questions: Whats missing in your town? Whos being left behind?
  
  
• Vote for policies that support vulnerable populations

This work isnt about being a hero, Hahn says. Its about showing up again and again even when no ones watching.

About Robert Hahn

Robert Hahn is a nonprofit leader with over 30 years of experience in hunger relief, global development, and senior care advocacy. His work has been recognized by the Maryland Governors Office, National Congress of Black Women, and Maryland Food Bank. He currently serves as Chief Advancement Officer at Birmingham Green in Virginia.