Those of you who know me best know that I'm an entirely food-centric person. So this post, in keeping with the Thanksgiving spirit, is all about food. And hunger.
I saw a story about Free Rice last week on CBS News and thought it was worth sharing. It's a social enterprise-esque site that helps you improve your vocabulary and fight hunger. It's VERY simple. You are given a word and a choice of synonyms for that word. Choose the correct one and BAM, you get 10 grains of rice in your bowl. This translates into real rice that will be distributed by the World Food Program. The cost of the rice is paid for by the advertisers shown at the bottom of the screen. I wonder what happens if you fill your entire bowl? If you manage to get that far, please post a comment and let us all know what happens.
If you're looking to fight hunger locally, look no further. We've got tons of options for you.
1) Gather up some small appliances
We are in desperate need of electric skillets and Foreman Grills for distribution to families living in motels. Most motels have only a small fridge and a microwave- your donations mean that families can have a REAL cooked meal. Can you imagine microwave cheesymac day in and day out? Me either. You can bring donations to HOME's administrative offices (just call first to make sure we'll be here).
2) Click 'n feed
If you're lazy and net savvy like me, you can use the Amazon link on the right hand side of this page to purchase food and appliances and send them directly to HOME (we can provide a receipt confirming the donation as long as we know who it's from). If you use Amazon, they usually run sales on certain brands, where if you spend $50, they take $25 off at checkout. If you do this, you can double your impact!
3) Good old fashioned giving
Grab one buy-one-get-one item each time you go to Publix. You'll have enough food to feed a family in no time.
4) Serve it up
If you're more of a people person, come join us at the Barney E. Veal Center at the Council on Aging. Volunteers are needed from 9AM-1PM to serve food to needy families and frail elders. Call 407-846-8532 to sign up.
Thanks for reading, and happy turkey day!
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Monday, November 19, 2007
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2 comments:
The free rice game was fun. The game keeps going and you keep accumulating tiny, full rice bowls to the right, each time you fill one (I think every 100 grains) and the big one is empty again. After 1000, they keep track of them to the left of the big bowl.
Do you need volunteers every day of the week to help serve meals? I live locally and am interested in helping out in this way.
Hi eclexia, thanks for the update! We actually are not a traditional shelter with meal service. Our units are set up apartment style and each have their own kitchen. We do have other volunteer opportunities available though. If it is meals specifically that you are interested in, please consider supporting the
Council on Aging's meals on wheels program- you can reach them at 407-846-8532. Thanks!
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