Richard Proudfit grew up in Minnesota and attended Merchant Marine Academy, sailing on cargo ships around the world. In 1974, while working as an engineer on a medical relief team in Honduras after a hurricane, he witnessed a starving child and was inspired to help feed hungry children. He started Kids Against Hunger to package and deliver highly nutritious meals worldwide through partnerships. The meals are inexpensive but nutritious, helping children not just survive but grow healthier according to evidence. Kids Against Hunger has partnered with other organizations to feed impoverished children in Nicaragua.