There are often celebrities who attach themselves to causes.  That doesn't make the cause any less valid or worthwhile.  

I overhead a conversation today maligning the intent of a highly paid "beautiful person".  It was the cause, however, that sparks this blog post.

I agree, perhaps it is a reach to believe that people who wear 2k dresses might actually understand hunger.  Maybe their intent might be to garner more publicity, but likely not.

Hunger, the lack of food, is a pervasive issue.  One we can't ignore, but we do.  If you live in a neighborhood (or practically anywhere on planet Earth), you know people who live in hunger.  If they are parents, they often give their food to their children, leaving them sometimes tired or less sharp in the workplace.  If they are students, the lack of food leaves them with tummies that rumble loud enough for their peers to hear and laugh at.  But, its not a laughing matter to them.  A lack of adequate nutrition slows their physical growth, their mental acuity and hinders the desire to learn.  The elderly who live on fixed incomes struggle to eat not because they are aging, but medicines and daily bills strain their budgets past the point of breaking.  They live alone, frail and hungry.

I don't believe there are three easy bullet points that will solve this issue. The #FoodBankNYCChallenge probably won't either.  The numbers, however are growing.  It's everywhere. 

But you can help.  YOU.  CAN.  HELP.  

Donate extra healthy things to your children's classes.  You won't know who needs them, but they will be appreciated.  Make the items portable.  Pride is an important part of growth, and shame scars souls.  Hungry people often feel shame.

Buy the co-worker lunch and bring it back if you often see them without food or "working" through lunch.  Bring in healthy snacks to share and leave them in the break room so they can be taken home.  

If you have elderly in your neighborhood, leave grocery cards in their mailboxes if you suspect they are going without.  Offer to pick up items at the store.  Ask if they would like to share your "extra".

This may just be one more blog post on hunger, but perhaps it will move you to do something today.  Or tomorrow.  Perhaps the day after.

SMOOCHES