Raising Awareness about Food Insecurity; No More Hungry Nights

Thinking back to my childhood the time that I felt the most connected and loved was dinnertime.  It was an assurance something I knew I could count on, Mom making dinner and my family sitting around the dinner time talking and eating a homemade dinner.  Being the youngest and last at home Sundays were a special treat because one if not all my sibling showed up for family dinner, which eventually grew to include his or her girlfriends and boyfriends.

As a parent now, my husband and I obviously have made eating healthy a priority, but right along with emphasizing the importance about what we ate, was the importance of doing it together as a family.  Even with all the sports, activities and busy schedules we made it happen.  My children are now adults themselves and we are still a very close family, we can all depend on one another and know that we will always be there for each other.  My children are also happy healthy eaters.  I truly believe the cement of  a family’s health centers in the kitchen and the kitchen table.

It has been reported in the media and many scientific studies have been conducted on the importance to not only children, but to the family as a whole by spending time eating together.  Children eat healthier, sleep better, do better in school and are capable of dealing with stress.  However, many children not only do not have family dinners but also have no food in their homes to eat.  It is shocking that in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, where food waste is in the billions of dollars, we still have children that do not have food in their homes to eat.   It’s inconceivable, but true.

How can we help?  September is Hunger Action Month, when the Feeding America nationwide network of food banks unites to urge individuals to take action in their communities. It is a great opportunity to get involved and help with the mission to end hunger in America.  As individuals, charities, businesses and government, we all have a role to play in getting food to those in need.  Head over to Feeding America’s website to find out the perfect roll for you to help.

I was inspired to write this post by my friend and fellow food blogger from the blog Try Anything Once .   She and her partner were impacted by the food insecurity that touched their lives and decided to start a charity called No More Hungry Nights, which helps raise food donations for people who are food insecure.  For Five days Dionne and her partner are on a Hunger Strike, only eating what is on the breakfast and lunch school menus.   This is what students receive if they are eligible to receive free meals.  For a large number of kids this is what they will eat for the week.  Dionne says “The Hunger Strike was also designed to put hunger into perspective. It has happened or can happen to me or you.”

If you are inspired by Dionne’s commitment you can donate to her No More Hungry Nights, visit her on-line store and/or tell two people about Dionne’s Hunger Strike.

You can also watch and support Dionne by following her on her Facebook Page.

Whatever you choose, try to help, even if it is just once to help those who need it the most.