Figmentations

Hunger probably isn’t an issue that is top-of-mind for many of us as we go about our busy lives.  We probably used to only think about “The Hungry” on occasions like holidays, or when we read about the starving children in Africa, or perhaps when some town in a far away land got hit by yet another natural disaster. 

We may respond by opening our wallets of sympathy and donating a few dollars to the cause of the moment.  But, then, as our own daily lives again absorb our full focus and attention, we don’t give much more thought to it. 

Hunger Is a Local Issue 

Yet now as U.S. unemployment levels reach new highs, we may be becoming more aware than ever before of hunger issues at home.  However, hunger in our local neighborhoods is not a new issue.  ShopRite food stores have been fighting hunger in neighborhoods across six states served by their 217 stores for more than 20 years.  

Did you know that 11 percent of U.S. households lives in a constant state of “not knowing when or what their next meal will be”?  Even though this rate is slightly lower in the states where ShopRite stores operate (i.e., which ranges from 7-8% in NJ, Delaware, Connecticut; and 9-10% in Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania), the need for food assistance is constant and year-round. 

Have You Ever Gone Hungry? 

Many of us probably have never truly experienced what it is like to go hungry, especially on a prolonged basis.  

Now I’m not talking about the kind of hunger like: the mid-afternoon munchies; or when you’ve worked through lunch and are ravenous by dinner; or when you’ve left your wallet at home and don’t have the cash to buy lunch, and you know you won’t have time run out to an ATM to get some quick cash. 

What if you didn’t have funds in an ATM, or if you became homeless, or you ran out of friends who were able to help you out on a continuous basis, then what would you do? 

Here is a listing of programs that benefit from local food charities:  Emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, child care centers, battered women’s shelters, senior programs, drug rehab centers, programs for the mentally and physically disabled, after school programs, and other organizations that support those in need. 

Support Local Food Efforts 

This year is the 10^thAnniversary of ShopRite’s “Partners In Caring” program, where ShopRite customers support manufacturers who contribute to this program by purchasing products indicated by “Partners in Caring” shelf labels.  Each of the 217 Shoprite stores (across six states) then selects qualified local food charities to benefit from the program.  Benefitting charities are then better able to acquire needed supplies from a local food bank.  So, consider purchasing ShopRite “Partners in Caring” products when you shop at ShopRite stores and help support local food charities.  

You can also find more information on how to get involved in fighting hunger locally on ShopRite’s “Partners in Caring” website.   If you live outside of this particular program area, take the time to find out about local hunger initiatives, including a local Food Bank, near you and see how you can help out there.  You can also find relevant information at http://FeedingAmerica.org/ . 

Leave a Comment To Donate a Box of Cereal

Out of ShopRite’s many “Partners in Caring” manufacturers, General Mills is one who has been a vendor partner with ShopRite since the “Partners In Caring” program’s inception. 

General Mills has now additionally partnered with ShopRite in this “Blog It Forward To Fight Hunger” campaign and will generously donate one box of cereal to a local food bank for the each of the first 30 comments on this post.  

So, donate a box of cereal by simply leaving a comment below before August 13, 2009.  Say “Hi” and share any thoughts or wishes you may have.  Thank you in advance for your kind words! 

Thanks again for your support of local hunger fighting initiatives in your home town!

 P.S.  Be sure to look for the special edition custom Honey Nut Cheerios box featuring local “Bloggers in Caring”.  I’ll be sure to post a follow-up update for you, too!   Thanks again!