Heifer International, an organization that works to fight hunger

 Another way to help fight hunger, in countries around the world:

Heifer International is an organization that works to fight hunger by giving needy families around the world and in the United States livestock, training, or other assistance that helps improve their livelihood.

"Wrestling as if with God's knuckles"

Just found this quote from poet Walt Whitman, who is buried across the river from Philly in Camden. Once a prosperous town and port, home of Campbell's soups and RCA Victor, Camden is now is one of the poorest towns in the U.S.

Times were hard then, in 1847, and it's full circle now.

Walt dreamed that he spent his last dime on a meal, and suddenly found a starved face at his side, not uttering a word.*  He writes, "What is this then that balances itself upon my lips and wrestles as with the knuckles of God for every bite I put between them, and if my belly is victor...follows the innocent food down my throat and turns it to fire and lead within me?

He continues: "And what is it but my soul that hisses lie an angry snake, Fool! will you stuff your greed and starve me?"

 I guess that means we could do with some soul stuffing.....especially these difficult days.



*From The Gift.  Creativity and the Artist in the Modern World.

Pound for Pound -- another way to lose and win

Kate sent this great link to the Pound for Pound site. Similar concept on a national scale -- helping to combat hunger in America.

Pound for Pound 

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!