Second Harvest Feeds the Hungry

Second Harvest has a network of food banks across the United States.

Courtesy of Second Harvest

Have you ever gotten the munchies, scanned the fridge and scoured the cupboards only to yell, "Mom! There's nothing to eat!" You've probably also fed the dog your nasty brussel sprouts when no one was looking, or hid them in the napkin to be tossed out later. Admit it, you're guilty. We've all done it. Well, sadly... maybe not ALL of us. Did you know that nine million kids in the US receive emergency food assistance every year? They'd have gladly scarfed down those brussel sprouts or anything else that was in your fridge at the moment.

Second Harvest - Hunger Facts

It's a scary fact that last year, many families had to choose between buying food or paying for housing (rent or mortgages). Lots of kids go to school without having breakfast, they don't eat lunch and they sometimes don't have much (if anything) for supper. But Second Harvest is one of the charitable organizations that is trying to fix all that.

Second Harvest - Food Bank Support

Second Harvest is the largest US hunger relief association. They have over 200 food banks and food programs that donate food to over 50,000 charitable organizations for distribution to hungry Americans. Second Harvest covers all 50 states, and Puerto Rico, and they've helped 73% of America's poor kids snag good eats. How cool is that?

Second Harvest - How You Can Help

So why are we telling ya about these peeps at Second Harvest? Because their heroic attempts at aiding the hungry are worth mentioning - and maybe you can get involved. If you're planning a Halloween party, Christmas party, New Year's party or any kind of get-together, why not ask your buds to bring something that could be donated? It's not hard to raid your kitchen cupboards and grab a canned good (green beans, corn, Chef Boyardee, etc.) or dry food item (cereal, crackers or pasta) that you can donate to the Second Harvest branch near you. You could also suggest that your school do this at the next big dance or event. Chatter about food banks is usually high around the holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but people are hungry year-round. Anytime you can help, it's appreciated.

To find a Second Harvest branch near you, check out www.secondharvest.org.