There are many things I loved about my 18-month mission to France and Switzerland but rendering service at the various food banks was one of my favorites. For the entire week surrounding Christmas when I lived in Bienne, Switzerland, we did nothing but service projects that included helping serve dinner on Christmas Eve to homeless people at a shelter.
It was the best Christmas I have ever had.
When I was in Chalon-sur-Saone, France, we volunteered once a week at the local food pantry where I came alive as we entertained and brought a glimpse of joy to its patrons. My missionary companion and I were even interviewed by the local newspaper.
Just don’t ask me what I said. I didn’t understand the complicated words en francais they quoted me as saying.
I guess you could say helping the hungry and homeless is a passion, but one that has been lost since I had children. A few years ago, I volunteered to serve Thanksgiving dinner at the Denver Rescue mission with my kids but they were too young. Same goes for the Food Bank of the Rockies–I learned last week during a tour sponsored by ConAgra Foods that kids need to be 14 years and older.
But I also discovered my kiddos don’t have to wait that long to help. Forty-two percent of those served by the Food Bank of the Rockies are children under 18 years old and this statistic hit Haddie hard.
Ways for Kids to Get Involved:- Hold a Food Drive in your area.
- Check out this Kung Food Fighters Activity Book.
- Donate a week’s worth of allowance!
- Kids in the Kitchen; Help your parents prepare a meal.
- Have a conversation with your parents about Hunger in Colorado.
- Learn about our Programs for Kids through the Food Bank of the Rockies.
You also have until the end of May to help fight child hunger with ConAgra Foods. When you purchase one of their brands (Banquet, Chef Boyardee, Healthy Choice, Fresh Mixers, Kid Cuisine, Marie Callender’s and Peter Pan), enter the eight-digit purchase code at www.childhungerendshere.com and they will donate one meal to Feeding America–up to 2.5 million meals.
Or make a financial contribution by texting “FEEDKIDS” to 50555 to make a $10 donation directly to Feeding America through June 30, 2011. Feeding America is currently on the ground helping communities impacted by the tornadoes in the South by helping with food, water and household necessities.
To find a food bank in your area, go to Feeding America’s Web site.
Disclaimer: I am participating in a campaign to help end child hunger through ConAgra Foods. All recommendations are my own.
I'm a Canadian-born mom of two, former Denver Post columnist, family travel writer, editor of MileHighMamas.com and 9News contributor. Expert on all things Utah, Denver, family and travel. Lover of laughter and life. Happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin. 