The holidays are a time when children should be singing, decorating and celebrating with family, not worrying about where they’ll get their next meal. Yet one in five kids in America face hunger every day. Fortunately, there are many simple ways you can make a big difference.
From packing an extra lunch to supporting brands that donate food to those in need, it’s easy to feel good about helping a child have a brighter holiday. Here are some easy ways you and your family can make a difference:
Volunteer at a food bank
The holiday season is a great time of year to get the family involved in volunteering. Make a difference by helping out at a local food bank. These organizations need volunteers to organize, take inventory, distribute and more - especially during the holiday season. Just a few hours of time can make a big impact.
Organize a food drive
The holidays are a perfect time to organize a food drive. With Feeding America’s how-to guide and resources, putting together a local food drive has never been easier. Visit www.FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.
Join the conversation online
In November, when you engage with the hashtag #ShareAMeal, Unilever will donate a meal to Feeding America. It can be as simple as a like or a retweet, or you could even post a photo of an empty plate on Instagram or Twitter using #ShareAMeal to make a difference.
Shop smart and make a difference
The simple act of shopping and supporting brands that are working to make a difference can help. Unilever, for example, is encouraging Americans to help create a brighter future by combating child hunger this holiday season. When you buy a participating Unilever product like Dove or Hellmann’s in-store with their coupon delivered in the Sunday paper on November 15, or online at Amazon Prime Pantry, one meal will be donated to Feeding America.
Host a virtual food drive
Have a knack for technology? Use social media, email and other technology to start a virtual food drive where everyone — not just those who live locally — can donate. You can share statistics about the issue of childhood hunger and explain how the money donated will impact children in need.
Pack an extra lunch
When kids are hungry at school, it’s difficult to succeed in the classroom. Consider making an extra lunch to give to your child’s teacher who may be able to pass it along to a child in need.
Donate to Feeding America
You can make a one-time donation, join Feeding America’s monthly giving program, or even honor someone special by making a gift in their name. For every dollar Feeding America receives, 10 meals are distributed to those in need. That means if you can raise $100 with a charity drive, you’ll be providing 1,000 meals for hungry children and neighbors.
For more ways to help fight child hunger visit brightfuture.unilever.us.