Consider hunger during holiday giving this season

People tend to give more during the holidays. This season consider the number of people you may know who suffer from hunger. What can you do to give this time of year and battle local hunger?

People often talk about the holidays as a time for giving. As you make charitable contributions this holiday season, please consider one of the biggest issues families can face, hunger. The holidays can be a difficult time of year for individuals and families; while money saving tips can be helpful, some people need additional support during the holiday season.

A wealth of information is available on the topic of hunger in the United States. The Food Bank Council of Michigan is very informative and provides plenty of resources on the topic. For example, according to the Hunger Myths vs. Realities section, “One in seven people in the United States does not know where their next meal is coming from.”

So what can you do to help?

The first step is to be informed. While it is important to give toys, cold weather clothing and other items typical of the season, Michigan State University Extension would like you to consider giving someone the opportunity to access nutritious food this season. There are many ways this can be done. In fact, you may already know someone who is in need. If you know more than seven people, the odds are likely.

Here are some other giving ideas:

  • Invite friends and neighbors to share in your holiday meals and festivities.
  • Make food and/or monetary donations to local organizations that address hunger.
  • Volunteer your time to local organizations that address hunger.
  • Research local and national organizations that help fight hunger.
  • Be an advocate amongst your friends and families to encourage others to give.

Let’s celebrate these joyous holidays together! Making sure your friends and neighbors can celebrate with a healthy meal is a great start!

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