
Olivia C. Yi
Founder & President
8th grader at Seven Lakes Jr. High with 7 years of art experience in digital and traditional art. Member of National Honor Society who leads and teaches the organization.
Discovering the power of art to create positive change in our community
Paint Away Hunger was born in 2025 when a group of middle school students in Houston discovered they could transform their artistic passion into meaningful change for children facing hunger in our community.
Our young founders were moved by two truths: that art is one of the most powerful forms of human expression—connecting people across cultures and backgrounds—and that 13 million children in the United States go to bed hungry every night. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, they asked: "How can we use our artistic talents to make a difference?" The answer came naturally—by painting smiles while fighting hunger.
What started as a single face-painting booth at a local event has evolved into a youth-led movement proving that creativity and compassion work hand in hand. Through colorful face paintings at festivals, farmers markets, and community gatherings, we transform children's joy into tangible support for those in need. Every stroke of paint translates directly into meals for hungry families.
Today, Paint Away Hunger channels young volunteers' artistic energy into organized face-painting booths and art events throughout Houston. We partner with established food banks and vetted charities, ensuring 100% of our proceeds purchase food for families facing food insecurity. We believe that when young people lead with both creativity and purpose, incredible things happen—we're fighting child hunger, one painting at a time.
Students face painting at 2025 Back to School Bash event in Katy
The passionate young leaders making it all happen
Founder & President
8th grader at Seven Lakes Jr. High with 7 years of art experience in digital and traditional art. Member of National Honor Society who leads and teaches the organization.
Co-Founder
A 13-year-old 8th grade student at Seven Lakes Junior High with over seven years of experience in traditional art. Member of the National Junior Honor Society. Experience with past small business and entrepreneurship.
Co-Founder
A 13-year-old 8th grade student at Seven Lakes Junior High with over seven years of experience in traditional art and three years of experience in digital art. Experienced in digital image processing and has two years of post-production experience.
We believe young people have the power, creativity, and passion to lead meaningful change in their communities.
Creativity is a powerful force for good. Through art, we can inspire, connect, and make a tangible difference.
Everything we do is rooted in service to our Houston community and addressing real local needs.
Paint Away Hunger is proud to work alongside amazing organizations that share our commitment to ending child hunger and supporting young artists in Houston.