The figures are staggering. According to Feeding America, one in eight Americans struggle with hunger. That’s more than 38 million people facing hunger every day, just in the United States.
But there are hopeful figures too. Feeding America is a network of 205 food banks around the country. Together, as Feeding America’s website reports, they provide “low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, network members supply food to more than 25 million Americans each year, including 9 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 63,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms.”
Even more hopeful is that, on average, a single dollar donated to the network will provide three meals. So even a small donation can have a big impact. During Hunger Action Month, Feeding America is asking everyone to “give a little, feed a lot.” And you can do so locally. Each of the food banks in the network is teaming with local organizations and retailers to host a month of events, including food drives, concerts, restaurant events and more.
Here in Chicago, the Greater Chicago Food Depository has teamed with Jewel-Osco food stores, Peapod, the Chicago White Sox, Macy’s, Panera Bread, Burrito Beach, Cheesecake Factory, Provision Theater and others to create a month of exciting ways to get involved. You’ll find the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s entire Calendar of Events here. Want to find a food bank near you? Check out Feeding America’s Food Bank Locator.
More needs, more ways to help
There is no shortage of hunger. And there are countless organizations besides those I’ve mentioned here taking up the cause. How is hunger affecting your community? What organizations are helping? Leave a comment and tell us [but only one link per comment, please—spam filters tend to go a little nuts with multiple links]. And to my readers around the world, I know America doesn’t have a corner on the hunger market. What’s going on where you live? How can people get involved?
An easy thing anyone can do to help is to log on to http://www.thehungersite.com and click every day to give free food. (Check out their affiliated sites while you’re there.) I’ve made it my home page so that I can make sure to click every day.
I’m with Kristin on that. Plus http://freerice.com. Easy to donate and fun!
So glad you posted this, Terry. No matter how much or how little I have to give, money for soup kitchens, food distribution/ redistribution organizations, and services like meals-on-wheels is always up there. The thought of anyone not having enough food makes me cry.
Thanks for the tip, Kristin!
Ronnie Ann—You can also volunteer time at some food banks. We’ve helped pack boxes at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, a simple, cheerful task that really helps families in need.
Great post Terry & great comment Ronnie Ann. I just clicked on your link to freerice & started playing. I have been wanting expand my vocabulary, what a great way to do it. It is nice to be able to help others while I am helping myself. I will try to play everyday. I’ll see if I can set it as my home page like Kristin did with her site of choice.
My online gift store, Gifts For One Gifts For All (www.giftsforonegiftsforall.com) is having a promotion during HUNGER ACTION MONTH to reward individuals that make a contribution to bring awareness and fight hunger this month.
Anyone that makes a donation to their local food bank of any kind or participates in Feeding America’s Virtual Food Drive, will receive an internet coupon for $10.00 during our 25% OFF SALE towards the purchase of 3,000+ gift items. When you redeem the coupon, we’ll donate 10% of the purchase price to Feeding America as well. Visit http://www.giftsforonegiftsforall.com for details about the Feeding America’s Virtual Food Drive.
Just send an email to info@giftsforonegiftsforall.com and let me know about your contribution and I’ll email you the coupon. Share this blog about Hunger Action Month and our promotion with your family, friends and co-workers.
S. Young, Owner
Gifts For One Gifts For All, LLC
http://www.giftsforonegiftsforall.com
info@giftsforonegiftsforall.com
Melissa—When you get back from vacation, talk to Marion and me about volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. It’s easy and rewarding. Everyone, if there’s a food bank near you, I’ll bet they can use extra hands, even on a very limited basis. Give them a call.
Gifts For One Gifts For All—Good luck with your promotion and thanks for supporting Hunger Action Month!