Alton Brown and Heifer International

Alton Brown is an entertaining and informative host of a popular cooking show called Good Eats. This show is usually written with a comical view of the foods eaten by so many of us. We are often informed on Alton Brown's show which society is credited with certain recipes, and the real deal on manufacturing plants that handle modern foods.

Because Heifer International is quite popular it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that Alton Brown is a supporter of this organization.

Heifer International offers animals to families who have received training to use the animals to their benefit. A recent gift catalog from Heifer International features Alton Brown under the caption: Flock of Chicks: $20

What would a family do with the flock of chicks? Fortunately, they are not for a Community Sunday Dinner. These are chickens given so that the family can have eggs to eat or to sell.

Whether the recipients have experience with raising chickens or not, they will attend classes offered by Heifer International. At these classes future owners of the chickens or other farm animals are taught how to care for the animals correctly. Also marketing techniques are taught that will help families sell any surplus their chickens produce.

Heifer International states a hen can give as many as 200 eggs in a year. If a family is given between 10 and 50 chickens, we can see how a surplus may soon benefit a family.

While this may seem a toss up between a complicated endeavor and over simplified answer to a global problem, it works on many levels. No, one person won't save everyone. However, that really isn't the point when it comes to a group such as Heifer International. For as little as $10 what an individual can do is be part of the mission to feel the hungry.

Not everyone will want to approach this problem in the same way. Some prefer to give in their neighborhood to people they know personally. That is also a great thing to do. However, if you are getting ready to buy gifts for anyone who is hard to buy for, such as your child's soccer coach, or a family member who really does not want anything, here's a thought: Buy a gift, such as the Flock of Chicks for $20 and Heifer International will send you a gift card to give the person of your choice stating that you have given a gift in their name.

Quote from Alton Brown in Heifer International Gift Catalog-2009:
By providing animals and the training needed to manage them, Heifer International makes it possible for impoverished individuals, families and communities around the world to fee themselves. That kind of
self-reliance leads to self-respect, and a future worth living for. Heifer International isn't just about sustainable farming, they're about sustainable lives.

Alton Brown's insightful comments and his dedication to Heifer International may prompt some to give a gift. It is an easy way to help others without spending a lot of money, and at the same time do it in another person's name if you wish. Don't most of the people we know already have more than they need?

Sources: Heifer International Gift Catalog, www.Heifer.org

For more information about Heifer International and how you can help, please visit the website below:

www.heifer.org