If your answer was yes, imagine the many others who feel this way each day...this is what a struggling family might see at meal time each day...an empty plate...if we can not find a way to help...
One out of every five New Jersey families does not earn enough to afford the basic necessities – housing, food and child care – although 85 percent of these households have at least one family member who is working. – Poverty Research Institute, June 2008
Many of us grew up in a household where parents barely made enough money to feed their children, but our parents still found a way to share with others. With a faultering economy and unemployment rise over the past years we are sure to see an even higher rise in the number of families going hungry.
Deborah Smith of Jersey Bites reached out to NJ resident bloggers a few weeks ago to participate in a campaign to help make others aware of the need for New Jersey Food Bank Donations, 'Don't Let This Bank Fail'. I intend to participate and hope you will too. Contact Deborah Smith at jerseybites@gmail.com for more information...
http://www.jerseybites.com/2008/12/bloggers-unite-to-fight-hunger-in-new.html
I have been forunate to learn and truley understand what it means to eat healthy and well rounded meals each day since I became a chef. Feeding our minds through education is also an important key to a healthy and well rounded life. I decided to research more about food banks, and realized I was clueless. I used to think that a food bank was just a large closet or warehouse that gave out bags of food to those who would ask. I discovered they have so much more on their plates.
The New Jersey Food Banks have on-site job training available through culinary skill programs, they distribute food to a wide variety of charitable programs throughout the state, they provide warehouse jobs to former offenders and addicts-in-recovery, children programs, thrift shops, and they are always trying to find ways to fight hunger in our communities. The problem is that they are not receiving the amount of donations to fit the need.
Warehouse shelves that are typically stocked with food are bare and supplies have gotten so low that, for the first time in its 25 year history, the food bank is developing a rationing mechanism. - CFBNJ
Join me on December 15th if you live in New Jersey, and blog about helping local food banks, and help make a difference!
Give food- When I shop for my family I will pick up extra food for the food bank once a month, and share this news with friends and neighbors.
Give funds- Develope a fundraiser with others to help raise money.
Give time- The CFBNJ list many volunteer jobs that might take an hour or two per week out of my schedule.
Cut out waste- I have already started in my house by only cooking what is exactly needed per meal, and have cut back on throwing out food we do not eat.
Volunteer, Donations/Contributions, Sponcership is all it takes to make a difference!
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