Bridging Hope for Children and Families
1 in 5 children are experiencing hunger in America.
Why we started
BetterALife's Founder, Elizabeth M. Ford did not learn about hunger from statistics. She lived it.
At seven years old in Reston, Virginia, Elizabeth walked to her babysitter’s home after school like she always did. But one day the door did not open. Her mother had not paid the babysitting bill, and the babysitter told her she would not let her in.
That door was more than a place to sit after school. It was where Elizabeth received her only evening meal, sliced hotdogs on toast.
That day she went hungry.
Soon after, Elizabeth and her mother were forced to move again. And again. And again. Three evictions growing up left them constantly starting over, often with no food in the house.
Elizabeth learned how to survive.
She began sitting outside of 7 Eleven asking strangers for quarters. If she could collect enough change, she could buy a hotdog or something to eat and drink that day. Sometimes she succeeded. Sometimes she did not.
Her mother struggled with severe mental health challenges and was not able to provide the stability or care that Elizabeth needed. And in the community where Elizabeth grew up, there were no food pantries or programs stepping in to help.
No one was coming.
Without food, guidance, or support at home or at school, survival became Elizabeth’s priority. She left high school after the ninth grade and earned her GED so she could work.
She hosted and then waited tables, often working double shifts just to earn the free meal that came with the job. Later she found herself trapped in an abusive marriage, not recognizing the warning signs because she had never been shown what safe love looked like.
But Elizabeth refused to let that be the end of her story.
She eventually rebuilt her life as a single working mom full time while attending college online. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology.
And she made a promise.
No child should ever have to beg for change just to eat.
That promise became BetterALife.
Today BetterALife exists to ensure that children and families facing food insecurity receive the support, education, and opportunity they deserve. Because no child should have to survive the way Elizabeth did.
And no child should ever be invisible when they are hungry.
Our Mission
Is to feed anyone who says "I am hungry" and to disrupt generational patterns by providing children and families with food, educational assistance, and life-skill services. We show children the educational and job-related opportunities they can and are capable of pursuing and inspire hope for a bright future ahead. Every child should know they are loved, cared for, and not forgotten.
We have seen that by providing food, educational assistance, and life-skill services, we can help break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for individuals and families in need. Through our programs, we provide individuals with the resources they need to succeed, inspire hope, and empower them to pursue their dreams.
Our Vision
Our vision is to change lives one meal at a time. We envision a world where no child goes hungry, where every child has access to quality education, and where job opportunities empower communities to thrive. We aspire to create a brighter future for children, breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering a society where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Together, we can make a lasting impact, one meal at a time.
What Causes Hunger
Areas lacking in transit, safe places with adequate lighting, and good schools can make it hard for children to get to food they need.
Sadly, discrimination happens still each day. This impacts people differently and can contribute to poverty and hunger.
Disabilities and health issues with little option to manage it can lead to hunger. Not having proper nutrition can also lead to health and mental health issues.
High cost of living areas, such as the two of the richest counties, Loudoun County, VA and Fairfax County, VA. When the families have to pay higher rents, heat, water rates, electric, and child care, most families pay this before being able to put food on the table.
Parents with low income jobs, with disabilities or loss of jobs make it hard even if the family normally works to purchase food
Poverty doesn't come in a box. It looks like you and me. It is your neighbor, friend or your child's best friend from school.