We’re knee-deep in the school season and as expected, many families are working through new schedules, after school activities, and homework. But some families, have their thoughts and efforts focused on a different issue…an issue many of us probably don’t think about.
17 million. That is the number of children at risk of hunger in the US according to the USDA. Instead of focusing on reading or math, children across the country are having difficulty focusing because of a real physical need. Children who lack adequate nutrition (whether moderate or severe) may suffer when it comes to school performance, behavior, and cognitive development.
Most of my entire life has been spent in Los Angeles, which actually surpasses the national average at 28.8 percent when it comes to child hunger. It seemed very fitting that the campaign would launch in the middle of Hollywood where high-end shops and restaurants and homeless men, women and children coincide.
The weekend began with a visit to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank (which I’ll tell you all about in a separate post) where we got an inside look at how the food bank is run (including where the food comes from and how it’s distributed). Having visited my local food bank right here in Orange County, there were many similarities, although the LA location is definitely much bigger.
Unlike my previous visit, we actually had an opportunity to volunteer. We sorted through produce and I realized two things: 1. Volunteering is relatively easy and with enough people, a lot can be accomplished. 2. There is a lot to be done on a regular basis and the need for volunteers is great. An organization like the LARFB which supplies nearly 1 million meals a week requires the support of agencies like Feeding America to continue the vital service it provides.
The following morning, Mark Salle (from Glee) kicked off the campaign on Hollywood Boulevard to raise awareness for the fall campaign. More than 30 celebrities, local students, and blogger correspondents gathered to help pack 1,000 bags which were then donated to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Throughout December, I’ll be talking more about the campaign including ways that you can help make a difference.
1. Participate or host a school-sponsored food drive to collect food for your local food bank
2. Collect UPC codes from participating ConAgra Foods brands. For every UPC code collected by schools through December 31st, 2011, one meal will be donated to Feeding America. You can find a local school at SchoolsFightHunger.org. Participating schools have an opportunity to be entered to win prizes including $10,000 to fund school trips.
This fall, ConAgra Foods, Feeding America, and Schools Fight Hunger have partnered to fight child hunger in America. Their goal is to donate 5 million meals to children and families facing hunger this school year.
Disclosure: I have been compensated as a blogger correspondent for Child Hunger Ends Here. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
What a wonderful thing you were able to participate in… let’s hope that some day there is a time that this organization is obsolete!
I still can’t believe they’re giving away so many meals! 5 million!
I still hate that I had to leave early!! 🙁
So much fun meeting you even though it was short!
So great to meet you! Glad you made it home safe!