Sesame Street is tackling the issue of childhood hunger through a new Walmart-sponsored primetime special, Growing Hope Against Hunger, which will air on October 9.

The hour-long special is designed to raise awareness of the widespread issue of hunger in the US through Lily, a brand-new Muppet whose family has an ongoing struggle with hunger.

The series, produced by Sesame Workshop with documentary films by director and filmmaker Cynthia Wade, will premiere on PBS. In addition, a Spanish version of the special will air on October 22 on Univision and on October 23 on Telefutura.

Through a US$1.5 million grant from Walmart, Growing Hope Against Hunger extends Sesame Workshop’s initial 2010 Food for Thought initiative. Following the premiere of the special on October 9, 15 screenings will be hosted in select Walmart communities.

The special comes as US families face food insecurity in growing numbers.  The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 17 million American children have limited or uncertain access to affordable and nutritious food. Of these children, more than half are under the age of six.