Three Ways to Combat Hunger in America This Holiday Season

Millions of Americans go hungry every day. Feeding America reports, 1 in 6 Americans is struggling with hunger; many of whom are children. Nutrition is essential for overall health, behavioral and social development, and emotional well-being.

Being hungry during the holidays is much worse than not receiving gifts. In fact, the greatest gift we can give to those less fortunate is the gift of food. Whether purchasing a food donation card in participating grocery stores, or donating cash or non-perishable food items to food banks, we can all help combat hunger within our communities during this holiday season.

Feeding America

Feeding America is "the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity." Serving more than 37 million Americans each year, Feeding America relies heavily on private donations and volunteers.

Individuals can submit tax-deductible cash donations via the Feeding America website. Cash donations can be made on a one-time basis, monthly donations, through planned legacy giving, or in memory of a loved one through tribute donations.

Feeding America has partnered with Coinstar to allow patrons to donate their coins directly through grocery stores. Other partnerships include corporate promotions where companies and organizations donate a portion of proceeds from the sale of their products to Feeding America. A complete list of Feeding America Corporate Programs is provided at FeedingAmerica.org.

Share Our Strength

Share Our Strength has launched the "No Kid Hungry this Holiday" campaign through the sale of holiday cards. These cards are printed on recycled paper and include a string for easy attachment to gift packages. A message is printed on the card to let your friends and family know that you have helped to stamp our childhood hunger in America.

In addition to holiday card sales, Share Our Strength accepts cash donations via their website, through Paypal, and via text messaging. Donations can also be made on a monthly basis or by donating in someone's name for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays.

Those who cannot afford cash donations can still help in the fight against hunger by volunteering at Share Our Strength events. Some of the more popular fundraising events include: Great American Bake Sale, Taste of the Nation, Cooking Matters, and A Tasteful Pursuit. For a complete list of ways to donate and ways to volunteer, visit www.Strength.org.

The Hunger Site

The Hunger Site is the easiest way to donate food and it doesn't cost a dime. All that is required is a daily visit to the website to click on the donation button. Corporate sponsors pay for cups of food based on the number of clicks. To date, The Hunger Site has donated more than 670 million cups of food.

The Hunger Site has partnered with numerous corporate sponsors who donate a portion of sale proceeds for items purchased through The Hunger Site store. This is a great place to do your holiday shopping! Not only will your family and friends receive unique gifts, you can participate in the fight against hunger at no additional cost to you.

Choose from Fair Trade gifts, jewelry, clothing, footwear and socks, bags and purses, home décor, garden and patio, and eco-friendly 'green' gifts. Start your holiday shopping and donate to the cause at The Hunger Site Store.

Sources:
Feeding America
Share Our Strength
The Hunger Site
The Hunger Site Store