Give Food- Stop Christmas Hunger

Times have changed, and once again we are facing the possibility of a great depression. Long ago it was expected to give food for Christmas whether it was a whole turkey from one neighbor to another or just fruit and nuts in the children's Christmas stockings. This year, the tradition is coming back more than ever.

Santas everywhere are being asked by children to bring food for Christmas. One Santa made the papers when he announced that he was hearing this for the first time ever. This has helped to bring more attention to the growing hunger in America and the near empty food pantries.

With the problem of hunger spreading so fast it is important for all of us to help each other. Below is a list of ways that you can help.

1. Give a food product for the Christmas meal to food pantries. There is plenty of need and I guarantee that the volunteers and the families will appreciate it. If you can afford it, maybe give a whole meal.

2. Give neighbor children more than a bag of candy, or at least give them candy with fruit. Sure, fruit has been kicked around the last few decades by children that preferred toys and candy, but the children who are hungry will see it has a delicious way to stop those hunger pains.

3. Wrap cans of food for presents to give. Children would love to get Chef Boyardees Ravioli, canned fruit, cereal, puddings or any number of other delights. I have received hot cocoa and loved it!

4. If you are able, volunteer at a soup kitchen. The kitchens are being swamped right now. On Christmas it will be more so. These places need volunteers to serve and cook food, cleanup and other chores in order to keep up with demand. If this is something you can do, then make yourself known.

5. Making homemade cookies and such as always been a tradition. This year, why not package them in bags or tins and give to everyone! You never know who is going without, and while cookies might not be as wholesome as soup, they will be loved. Sometimes people can only afford the basic foods like eggs and milk. Times like these will make the sweets taste all the better.

6. Don't forget the seniors! More seniors than ever need your help because the families can't help out as much. Many seniors require a steady diet that is low in sugar and salt. Unfortunately, alot of what comes from the food pantries can actually harm these people. If you have a senior neighbor, deliver food that is healthy like Progresso soups.

7. Gift cards for McDonalds, Ponderosa and other eateries will be a treasure for people of all ages.