Scarlett Johansson Recalls Relying on Free School Lunches in Powerful PSA for Feeding America (Exclusive)

"I’m proud to support Feeding America — because I believe in a world without food insecurity," Johansson says of partnering with the organization

Scarlett Johansson is advocating for food security for all.

The actress, 38, stars in a new PSA for Feeding America, which PEOPLE has an exclusive first look at and begins with Johansson telling the camera, "Food isn't just fuel to live — it's fuel to grow."

"My family relied on public assistance to help provide meals for us," she continues. "These meals fueled my involvement in theater and the arts as a child, which fostered my love for acting."

Feeding America is the country's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, working to provide those in need with food and end hunger. The group currently has a network of over 200 food banks throughout the U.S.

"The Feeding America network of food banks helps millions of people put food on the table. When people are fed, futures are nourished," Johansson says in the PSA. "Join the movement to end hunger, and together, we can open endless possibilities for people to thrive."

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In a blog post about her partnership with Feeding America, the two-time Oscar nominee recounts how, growing up, she and her twin brother Hunter Johansson relied on their public school's free lunch program, which meant that they "would eat hot meals like most of our classmates."

"Now, as an adult, I have a tremendous amount of gratitude for those meals," she says. "My family relied on public assistance, and the meals I ate at school were part of the free school lunch program — which provides free breakfast and lunch to students from low-income families."

The Marriage Story actress says that she and Hunter "had the nourishment and energy to get through our day of learning and playing, and do all the things healthy kids get to do" due to those meals.

And, adds the mother of two, "Now that I have children of my own, the first thing I worry about is making sure they are provided for and that they are fed and nourished."

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Johansson goes on to say in the post that she "can only imagine the relief my parents felt, knowing my siblings and I had access to meals at school."

"Every day, parents are there for their children — to celebrate their successes and support them on their journeys — and no parent should have to worry about where their children’s next meal is going to come from," she continues.

The actress says she's "proud to support Feeding America — because I believe in a world without food insecurity."

"I believe in a world where kids have food on their plates and full stomachs. Where children thrive and grow and do amazing things — with food to fuel every moment of laughter, discovery and success," Johansson adds.

For information about how to donate to Feeding America, get involved in helping end hunger via volunteer work and more, visit FeedingAmerica.org/ActNow.

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