Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Hunger Action Month!

    September is just around the corner and I want to take this opportunity to remind you that the coming month is "Hunger Action Month" and September third is "Hunger Action Day". Started by "Feeding America" in 2008, "Hunger Action Month" is not only an awareness campaign to remind everyone that hunger does indeed exist in the U.S.-- and right here in Central Florida-- but it's also a call to action for everyone to get involved in our community to do whatever possible to eliminate hunger here.

    One of the easiest and quickest ways to help eliminate hunger is to stop wasting food. Did you know Americans waste 40% of the food we produce. That's an astounding number so here are some tips on how you and your family can start to put the brakes on food waste:
-Pay attention to expiration dates but realize the "sell by" date is for stores and is different from the expiration date.
-Buy imperfect produce-- just because some fruits and vegetables are a little bruised doesn't mean they're bad or bad tasting.
-Learn and practice efficient ways to freeze and store foods so that they last longer.

    You can get involved in the fight to end hunger right here in Central Florida through several organizations including Second Harvest Food Bank and Catholic Charities.

    For more tips on how to prevent food waste, check out these sites:
http://www.nrdc.org/food/wasted-food.asp
http://www.foodrecoverynetwork.org/#about
http://www.feedingamerica.org/


 

   

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

To Volunteer is to Care!

     One very easy way to teach your children about giving, sharing and selflessness is to encourage them to volunteer. While the rewards may not be financial-- the benefits can last a lifetime. Start out by setting a good example and volunteer yourself-- but your toddlers, teenagers, and young adults can all get in on the action too. Whether it's visiting the sick or elderly, taking part in a community clean-up or just helping out at school or church-- there's something for everyone.

    Our state, and Central Florida in particular, have amazing volunteer programs-- kids included. In fact, there's even a website designed to match your children with a volunteer program that's perfect.

    Check out these sites:

    http://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/teaching-tolerance/childrens-volunteering-resource-guide/
    http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/?l=FL&v=false&categories=22
    http://www.handsonbroward.org/