Sesame Street Unveils Homeless Muppet

Just in case you needed another sign we're still in a recession, Sesame Street is set to unveil a new impoverished puppet, whose family faces an ongoing struggle with hunger issues. 'Lily' was designed to teach kids about such issues and will be revealed in a one-hour Sesame Street primetime special.

Lily will make her debut on the primetime special Growing Hope Against Hunger, which is being sponsored by Walmart. It will star country singer Brad Paisley and his wife Kimberly Williams Paisley, as well as the Sesame Street Muppets. It's set to air nationwide this Sunday, October 9, 2011.

The special will share the stories of real-life families to raise awareness of hunger issues in the United States, as well as strategies that have helped these families find food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 17 million American children (nearly 1 in 4) have limited or uncertain access to affordable and nutritious food. I guess it was time for a new Sesame Street muppet.