Top 5 Hunger Prevention and Food Fundraising Articles of 2010

As a hunger prevention advocate I enjoy sharing information and resources about food fundraising events and organizations. While there are many worthy organizations and groups that work endlessly to combat hunger, I would like to share the top 5 food fundraising organizations I featured this year.

Haiti Disaster Relief Fund

It is hard to believe nearly a year has passed since the devastating earthquake nearly destroyed the tiny island of Haiti on January 12, 2010. Sadly, few major improvements have been made and the majority of Haitians are still without shelter and adequate food supplies.

Florida Foodies Unite to Raise Money for Haiti Disaster Relief Fund covered a variety of Florida restaurants and food purveyors who were donating food or hosting special events to raise funds.

Nearly a year later, Haiti still requires help. Today relief organizations are more focused on raising funds to provide medical supplies and healthcare equipment. Individuals can apply for volunteer positions or make cash donations to help rebuild Haiti and provide much-needed supplies at www.HaitiReliefFund.org.

Vitamin Angels

Vitamin Angels is a non-profit organization that supplies Vitamin A and multivitamin supplements to impoverished nations. This group has been tireless in their efforts to help Haiti and several other third world countries.

In Vitamin Angels: Providing Essential Nutrients around the Globe, readers can learn about volunteer opportunities and fundraising activities to support this global organization.

One thing I particularly like about Vitamin Angels is the fundraising programs they offer for elementary, high school, and college students. I believe teaching our younger generation to become involved in philanthropy is one of the greatest gifts we can offer.

Newman's Own Organics

Paul Newman has always had a special place in my heart. Not only was I a fan of his movies, I also admired him as a race car driver. In 1995, at 70 years of age, Paul Newman won the grueling 24 Hours at Daytona endurance race. Anyone who has ever attended this event understands the magnitude of physical endurance required to cross the finish line.

In addition to admiring Newman's racing skills, I also admired his passion for philanthropy work. Paul Newman created Newman's Own Organics in 1993 and has donated over $200 million to numerous worldwide charities since 1982.

While Newman's Own Organics: Organic Coffee Review focused on my personal experience with Newman's coffee varietals, it also covered the company's philanthropy efforts supporting Victory Junction Gang Camp; a camp for children with life-threatening illness. Paul Newman will always be a hero in my eyes and admired for his compassion and giving spirit.

Rachael Ray's YUM-O Organization

I find Rachael Ray to be a breath of fresh air. She seems to be one of the few celebrity chefs who haven't become jaded by stardom. Granted, she isn't a chef, she is a home cook, but she has earned chef status as far as I'm concerned.

Rachael Ray created YUM-O to teach kids about making healthy food choices and to raise awareness about hunger in America. Additionally, YUM-O raises funds to provide culinary scholarships to high school students.

My Rachael Ray's YUM-O Organization article details each aspect of Ray's mission statement, with focus on Ray's food donation programs and volunteer opportunities.

Combat Hunger in America

Three Ways to Combat Hunger in America This Holiday Season shares information about Feeding America, Share Our Strength, and The Hunger Site. Each organization offers a variety of programs that allow individuals to provide cash donations or participate in nationwide fundraising events.

While this article focuses on combating hunger during the holiday season, each organization helps feed the hungry throughout the year. They are always in need of cash donations, food donations, and volunteers to staff food pantries or work at fundraising events.

Hunger affects 1 in 6 Americans, many of which are children or the elderly. These statistics are certain to rise as people continue facing long-term unemployment. Please keep these groups in mind throughout the year. By joining forces with national and local food banks we truly can combat hunger in America.