I am honored to announce my involvement in a nationwide effort to help do something important.
A few weeks ago, I was contacted by ConAgra Foods to join 13 other bloggers from across the country to help raise awareness for the issue of child hunger in America.
You may recall me writing about being moved by the story of a young boy from Guatemala named Omar when I volunteered with other bloggers back in January.
But hunger isn't just an issue "somewhere else." It's an issue here in America, too. In fact, nearly one out of every four children doesn't know where their next meal will come from. Think about that for a second. It's a staggering number. That adds up to 17 million American children.
Over the next several weeks, ConAgra has partnered with Feeding America to launch a major initiative to do something about children's hunger in America.
What impresses me about this program is that it's not about having a huge gala. It's about rallying existing groups, families, friends, neighborhoods and communities to do something. Not necessarily to do something big. But to do something.
Because this is an issue, whether we know it or not, that is a part of all of our communities already.
What I (and they) ask you to think about is what you can do to make a difference in your own back yard.
What can we all do to stop looking the other way.
Maybe it's deciding that you are going to dedicate a portion of proceeds from your annual garage sale to the cause. Maybe you and your neighbors will raise funds at your next community night out. Maybe you will scale back your monthly girls' night and all kick in the money saved. Or maybe you are going to, as a family, put aside a few dollars a week and donate those at the end.
That's their point.
I myself will be planning a few things and will talk more about that here soon. But if you're here in Minnesota and want to be a part, please reach out to me and let me know.
I encourage each of you to think about how you, your friends, your family and your community can do the same. You don't have to think big. Just do. Just commit to doing something by saying you will "Get Involved." When you do that, ConAgra will send you a free banner, signage, pins and tips for making whatever you have planned successful.
In addition, from now through May, every time you purchase one of seven participating ConAgra Foods, ConAgra will donate one meal to Feeding America. Those brands include Banquet, Chef Boyardee, Marie Callender's, Orville Redenbacher's, Healthy Choice, Manwich and Peter Pan Peanut Butter. (And you can check out the site to get a coupon for $1.50 off any four of those brands...)
If you'd like to learn more about this program, please check out the Child Hunger Ends Here web site, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
I'll stop talking now. Because I want you to start thinking, and I hope, join me in starting doing...
More later.
If you'd like to visit the other blogging correspondents or link up your own post on this campaign, please feel free to join this blog hop.
Disclaimer: I am excited to be an official blogging correspondent for ConAgra Foods during this campaign. As such, ConAgra has provided me with background, information and a stipend to cover some of the costs I will incur. The words and beliefs are mine.
