Sesame Street is on a mission to tackle childhood hunger and homelessness, premiering a new character whose background highlights children who live in such poverty.

Lily, the newest muppet on Sesame Street, comes from an impoverished family.

Country music singer Brad Paisley and his wife, actress Kimberly Williams Paisley, will host the hour-long show, titled “Growing Hope against Hunger.”

“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,” the couple said in a statement.

The show will air Sunday, Oct. 9. It is sponsored by Walmart.

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2011/10/04/2011-10-04_sesame_street_to_debut_new_muppet_dealing_with_poverty_and_hunger_in_the_home.html