Monday, October 25, 2010

Minus equals plus

Kids are hungry in Philadelphia and the region. And I don't mean just for after-school snacks.

A recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on kids and families who are literally starving--food insecurity is the term. Then plenty of people jumped on the website blog to berate the women who didn't have the fathers around to buy the kids food.

I don't totally disagree--but the fact is blaming the victims is never good social policy or basic humanity. Especially when it comes to kids. And when there are plenty of families, whether one or two-parent, who are jobless or underemployed.

Here's the article link: A Portrait of Hunger

So I had an idea. Speaking for myself only, of course, but I'm always dieting. Exercise is key, but so is eating less. I bet I'm not the only one who has a few items every week I could do without.

So this is it:
How about foregoing at least one food item a week--whether at the grocery store, eating out or taking out--and sending the approximate amount to a food pantry? As we know, there is strength in even small numbers. Food pantries are hurting in this economy even as the demands on them increase, so small amounts can help.

See links, to the right. Also, please feel free to comment with your own links and I'll add them.

This would be totally private (unless you want to report) and totally casual-up-to-you-to-send-the-money. You may want to keep a running $ total and send something at the end of the month. Or wait until the holidays or your birthday. Maybe in memory of a family member or friend?

So that's my "minus = plus" giving idea. Please let me know what you think, especially with ideas for improvement. Oh, and please send this to your friends if you think they may be interested. Even your slim friends!

best,
Chris
PS. Giving up broccoli or fish doesn't count. You want to continue to eat healthily!

1 comment:

  1. Charley Kelly, Don's fabulous cousin in TX, sent this email:


    Chris,
    What a GREAT idea ! ................. this has a lot of potential to help .... one person at a time ! I've put your blog address in my address book ....send me more of your ideas ....I'll send them to my friends and associates who would like to hear of this type of effort....

    God bless ... and lots of love
    Charley

    ReplyDelete