Actress Quvenzhané Wallis first gained notice for her role in the 2012 film “Beasts Of The Southern Wild.” The role of Hushpuppy led her to becoming the youngest actress to ever receive an Academy Award nomination. At the time, she was just 9 years old. She most recently starred in Sony Picture’s 2014 remake of “Annie,” in which she played the title character. The 11-year-old, Louisiana native is known for playing children from disadvantaged backgrounds, and this has inspired her to help other kids suffering from childhood hunger. Millions of school children in the United States are faced with this challenge.
Quvenzhané’s mother, Qulyndreia, is a former school teacher, and she knows firsthand how hunger can impact children on a day-to-day basis. Mother and daughter joined Kellogg’s efforts to give breakfast to kids in need. The two have been promoting the “Breakfasts for Better Days” campaign, which is part of Kellogg’s commitment to provide one billion servings of cereal and snacks to disadvantaged children and families around the world by 2016. Kellogg’s is taking a step towards that goal by providing up to one million breakfasts in 2015. The company is also partnering with the nonprofit organization Action for Healthy Kids — for a fifth year — to provide more children with breakfasts in schools.
I spoke to Quvenzhane about her partnership with Kellogg’s, other upcoming projects, and just what it’s like to juggle adolescence and Hollywood.
Shnieka Johnson: What projects are you currently working on?
Quvenzhane Wallis: Right now, I am partnering with Kellogg’s in order to spread the word about childhood hunger in America. I learned that one in five children may go to school hungry, including my peers at school, and knew that I wanted to join Kellogg’s in spreading awareness on this issue.
SJ: Can you tell me a little about the “Give A Child A Breakfast” program?
QW: I am partnering with Kellogg’s in order to spread the word on childhood hunger in America. My mom, being a teacher, has always made sure I have breakfast before I leave for school. All kids need and deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential — and starting the day with a great breakfast can help get you going.
SJ: Why did you choose to team up with Kellogg’s for this initiative?
QW: I joined Kellogg’s when I learned that one in five children may go to school hungry, including my peers at school. Even though I’m an actress, I’m still a normal kid that goes to school and has homework. I’m fortunate enough to start my day with a great breakfast, like Kellogg’s Rice Krispies and milk, and I want to help other kids have that same opportunity. I’m excited for the chance to help other kids my age to reach their full potential. You can learn more at www.kelloggs.com/give.
SJ: Any upcoming movies or television appearances that we should look out for?
QW: “Annie” came out on DVD and Blu-Ray on March 17. Later this year, I have two new movies coming out, Kahlil Gibran’s “The Prophet” and “Fathers and Daughters.”
SJ: What are some of your hobbies when you’re not acting?
QW: When I’m not acting, I love spending my time playing sports, especially basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading. I also like reading, playing video games, hanging out with friends, and playing with my two dogs.
SJ: What advice do you have for other kids interested in acting?
QW: Acting is all about having fun and keeping focus on your character. If you are determined and work hard, you can reach success in whatever you are doing. I believe that starting your day with breakfast can help you reach your full potential every day!
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I also had a chance to speak with Quvenzhane’s mother, Qulyndreia, about her daughter’s career.
Shnieka Johnson: How do you manage your daughter’s schedule between home life, work, and school?
Qulyndreia Wallis: The number one thing is that my husband and I treat her like a normal kid. We make sure she has structure in her day, does her homework and her chores, has time to have fun and experience life like every other kid. No matter how busy we get, we make it work. At the end of the day, she’s just like any daughter. She’s just been blessed to have an amazing opportunity, and I want to continue to encourage her to just do her best.
SJ: What do you do to keep your daughter grounded while working in the film industry?
QW: I think that focusing on giving back to the community is very important. That is why I support Quvenzhane’s partnership with Kellogg’s in helping give breakfasts to children in need. As a school teacher, I know how important it is for students to have breakfast before school. I’m proud of my daughter for helping raise awareness for this worldwide issue — Kellogg’s has committed to a great goal.
Shnieka Johnson is an education consultant and freelance writer. She is based in Manhattan where she resides with her husband and son. Contact her via her website, www.shnie
Action for Healthy Kids
Action for Healthy Kids is a nonprofit and volunteer network targeting both childhood obesity and undernourishment. The kids would otherwise not get that first meal of the day. By helping schools create or improve existing breakfast programs, the organization works to make schools become healthier places where kids learn to eat right, be active, and develop healthy habits.
It helps nearly 12.9 million kids in 29,000 schools across this country. Through its School Grants for Healthy Kids program and Kellogg’s, it’s working to help provide one million breakfasts during the 2015-2016 school year. To apply for grants, visit www.actionforhealthykids.org/tools-for-schools/apply-for-grants.
Links: www.kelloggs.com/en_US/give.html, www.actionforhealthykids.org/
