Christina Aguilera: 'Food is not a luxury'

Christina Aguilera has revealed that becoming a mother inspired her to help children who were less fortunate.

The 30-year-old, who has son Max with estranged husband Jordan Bratman, explained that having a child made her want to get involved with supporting underprivileged kids.

She told InStyle: "After I became a mum, I felt passionate about the fact that no child should go hungry. Food is not a luxury."

The actress is now working on various charitable ventures with international peace-seeking organisation the United Nations (UN). She has also become an ambassador for the UN's World Food Programme (WFP), which helps encourage self-sustainability throughout the world.

Aguilera said that she was touched by the Haitian people when she visited their country last year.

She explained: "Through my involvement, I've helped the WFP raise $12m (£7.7m) - that's a staggering 43.5 million meals.

"I've seen swollen bellies and hair that's turned white from lack of nutrition, and yet some of the people I've met have such optimism; it's incredible. One kid in Haiti was telling me how he adores school. He never misses a day, he dreams of becoming a doctor.

"That sort of thing makes you want to work that much harder for those kids who truly want to succeed and rise above whatever they're going through."