Manna Executive Director, Mom and Hunger Relief Advocate Jennifer shares how she turned fighting hunger into a family affair at home:
How often do you go to the grocery store? If you have a busy family life like me then I bet it may be more often than you’d like to admit. I’m also betting that you’d like your children to know just how lucky they are, how lucky your family is to have enough food to eat each and every day.
That’s how I was when my daughter was growing up—teaching her that not every family, not every child has enough food to eat every day and there is something we can do to help.
I have a fun way to get your children involved in the grocery shopping while benefitting the children in our area who do not get enough food to eat, especially during the summer months when they are not receiving free or reduced-meals through their school!
Many years ago, when my daughter was in grade school and we lived on a very tight budget, I wanted to help with food drives at school, church and in the community, so we began buying a few extra items every time we went to the market. A jar of spaghetti sauce, a box of oatmeal, noodles, canned fruit; every trip I let my daughter choose one or two items and place them in a special reusable shopping bag in our kitchen. When the bag was full she would take it to the school or church food collection box, or we would make a special trip to our local food pantry to drop it off.
It was perfect for everyone…the pantry got much needed food, my daughter learned about people less fortunate than she, and I got my bag back to fill all over again!
Next time you and your family are at the market, ask your kids to pick out a few extra items to start their own collection—let them take turns selecting, talk to them about healthy, nutritious foods, but especially talk with them about hunger in our area and that everyone deserves to have a warm hearty meal just like they have. It’s a great way to get your kids involved while helping out a neighbor in need at the same time.
Strapped for time? For every $1 you donate, Manna can provide two meals to a hungry friend or neighbor in need. To learn more about Manna’s most urgent food needs check out our
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