Food For Thought...

     Here are some alarming statistics about hunger in America as of last year:

-15.5 or 21 percent of children in the United States live in poverty.

-15.3 Million children under 18 live in food- insecure homes.  That means homes where kids are not able to consistently have nutritious food needed to maintain a healthy life.

-A lack of nutritious food in childhood can have lasting harmful effects.

-Stats from 2012/2013 indicate that in Central Florida alone, some 10,000 children were homeless for an extended period of time, while more than 200,000 children in Orange County, Florida count on a school lunch program for meals that often exclude meals on the weekend and during some school breaks.

   It's Hunger Action Month.  Take action!

Happy Grandparents Day!

National Grandparents Day!

    This Sunday is National Grandparents Day. Marian McQuade is credited with founding the day back in 1970, but it was President Jimmy Carter who signed National Grandparents Day into law in 1978 and the first Sunday in September, after Labor Day, has been designated as National Grandparents Day ever since.  While not a federal national holiday, it is a day to be observed in honor of grandparents across the country.

    Our grandparents play many roles in our lives and the lives of our children, and make meaningful contributions to families and society as a whole. So whether your grandparents are blood relatives, adopted or foster family-- this Sunday do something special for the grandparents in your life while remembering all the great "Grands" that were once with us as well.

    For more on National Grandparents Day go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Grandparents_Day

    Looking for great gift ideas for the grandparents? Check out http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/9-3-15-gift-ideas-for-grandparents-day/

    There are many Grandparents Day celebrations in Central Florida including http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/m/events/national-grandparents-day
and http://blog.feedhopenow.org/event/grandparents-day/   

Donate During Hunger Action Month!

    Hunger in America and right here in Central Florida is a devastating reality, but we can all play a part in alleviating it.  In addition to trying our very best not to waste food, take action and donate whatever you can. Every little bit helps. You can also initiate a food drive, and the best way to do that is in conjunction with your local food bank.

    Just remember to collect only non-perishable items and never collect homemade items because you want to be one hundred percent sure that they are safe. Stay away from glass because it can break. Many food bank networks accept canned goods, fresh produce and dairy and juice with expiration dates.

    Feeding America is a great source of information: http://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give/give-food/food-drives/

    Here in Central Florida contact Second Harvest Food bank: http://www.foodbankcentralflorida.org/site/PageServer#.VemGH0anxuk

    There are also food pantries that appreciate support: http://www.foodpantries.org/ci/fl-orlando