“World Food Day is a day of action against hunger. On October 16, people around the world
come together to declare their commitment to eradicate hunger in our lifetime.
Because when it comes to hunger, the only acceptable number in the world is zero.”
Did you know that October 16th is World Food Day?
In honor of World Food Day and the upcoming holiday season, I’m really excited to bring the group a fun, easy, simple way to fight hunger. It began as the “15 can challenge” but since we are just a smidge behind schedule I’ve decided to dub our campaign “10 Cans of Conscious Kindness.” Essentially, you commit to buying an extra grocery item each week for 10 weeks and at the end donate the food stuffs to the charity of your choice. I love this for many reasons:
- Charity of your choice:
This could be your elderly neighbor that you know lives on a fixed income, or a teenage mom at your church just starting out. It could be a single Mom in your neighborhood who struggles but is doing her best. Overall – this is for ANYONE you deem could use a bit of a helping hand. - Just 10 Items:
An extra item a week is so doable. If you hate to shop – well – factor what you would have spent on your extra item ($1, $3, $5) and multiply it by 10 weeks. You can then pick up a grocery gift card for that amount and donate that instead. If you love to shop (me!!!) then feel free to buy as many items as your little heart desires. - Conscious Shopping:
This is my favorite part. Didn’t realize I had super powers beyond kindness? Much to my delight (and my wallets dismay) I am an avid bargain shopper so this is right up my alley! I love to purchase and get great deals that I know will bring joy and happiness! However, conscious shopping is important! Remember being a kid in elementary school and having to bring in food donations? Without fail I would rummage through my parents cupboards and bring in some sort of canned vegetable. Yes – it served the purpose and kudos for donating – but was it REALLY what someone wants to eat or simply a leftover that no one in your family would touch? Hmmm….
This is a great chance to really step outside the box and think about what YOU would like to receive if you were getting meal fixings for your family. Would you want 10 boxes of Mac & Cheese? Most likely not. I encourage you to really consciously think about what food you would like if given 10 items to make meals for your family.
I started my shopping this week. I always participate in an adopt-a-family program through a local retail shop and aside from material goods try to donate food as well. My 10 (or so) items will go to the family along with the “gifts” my family provides. I sat down and gave the whole process a bit of thought. I took a look in my own pantry, and thought about what I purchase each week at the grocery store. I understand it will be a bit more challenging because we cannot donate produce or meat (anything fresh) so I decided to focus on staples.
My first item in the “10 Cans of Conscious Kindness” challenge is a box of Bisquick Mix. Why? Well, first it’s extremely versatile. You can make breakfast (pancakes!), sides (biscuits!), dinner (baked chicken) and even dessert (strawberry shortcake). I know I use my Bisquick all the time and though it would be a great basic item. What would you include in your “10 Cans of Conscious Kindness?”
Will you help us with this challenge? I will regularly update on what I buy, why I bought it and how I hope it will help a family struggling with keeping their family fed.
Feel free to share your thoughts, purchases and goals in the comments section!
This is a great idea! I know if I was receiving a gift of food, I would love to receive all the ingredients to make a good meal, maybe even with some favorite recipes to go along with the food. I think I would give all the ingredients for my family’s favorite lasagna or maybe a veggie lasagna.
I love the idea of including a special recipe to go with the ingredients – I think it brings a personal touch to an often non personal process. I always think about including stuff to makes sweets cause I think dessert is often overlooked but can be a real simple treat for families that often struggle with getting food on the table.
I think a good pasta sauce – preferably with lots of veggies included. It can be used for so many things – pasta sauce, obviously, (because I follow a grain free diet due to allergies, I make my “pasta” out of veggies – usually spaghetti squash but sometimes with other squash. The pasta sauce really dresses it up); as a “dressing” for other vegetables; as a sauce for meatloaf; as the basis for a hearty soup, for pizza topping – even English muffin pizzas. It is one of the most versatile things in my pantry.
Great ideas! I love getting a little glimpse into what people eat and how they make up their meals. It’s giving me lot of “out of the box” ideas for my own family! 🙂
Great post Kim. it occurred to me also that donating especially at Christmas time should not mean cans of spaghetti but something a little festive. Last year for the donations box at the kids school I took the time to choose a package of festive chocolate and tins of shortbread, they weren’t that expensive and hopefully put a smile on someone’s face!
Agreed completely! Sweets are often a luxury and while I don’t think they should replace a solid meal it is nice to have a little chocolate or cookies during the festive holiday time. I know it’s my favorite part! I’m sure they made someone’s day! 🙂