New Sesame Street Muppet Is Poor and Hungry

Sesame Street has got a hungry, impoverished new character—and it isn't Oscar the Grouch or the Cookie Monster. Lily, a 7-year-old girl whose family often struggles to get enough to eat, will appear in the show's prime-time special "Growing Hope Against Hunger" this Sunday, reports Entertainment Weekly. The Wal-Mart-sponsored special looks at the issue of hunger, which affects an estimated 17 million Americans.

The special will be hosted by country singer Brad Paisley and his wife, Kimberley. "Food insecurity is a growing and difficult issue for adults to discuss, much less children,” the couple said in a statement. “We are honored that Sesame Street, with its long history of tackling difficult issues with sensitivity, caring, and warmth asked us to be a part of this important project." (More Sesame Street stories.)