Share Your Lunch Campaign 2009

Kids Can... Help Feed the Hungry with

Second Harvest Food Bank

DONATE NOW

 

96 cents out of every $1 donated goes directly
 into food programs to help the hungry.

Every $1 donated will provide two nutritious meals for a child in need
through the Share Your Lunch program.

 

 We may be used to thinking of chronic hunger as a "3rd world" problem. But that's a misperception. The reality in that right here in the United States chronic hunger is a constant threat for many hard working low income families.  In such situations they must often choose between paying the rent or buying nutritious food.  When harder times fall, even families at higher levels on the economic ladder may find themselves struggling.  In March of 2009, due to the severe economic recession, a staggering 1 in 10 Americans was relying on government issued "food stamps" to feed themselves and their family.  But many families find that even the food stamps are not enough to supply their families with all that they really need.

Here in the Bay Area, hunger is no stranger either.  Many low income school children rely on subsidized school lunches and school served breakfasts to obtain adequate high quality nutrition.   But in the summer months there is no school lunch program for these children.  The burden then falls more heavily upon their families.

That's why Earth's Kids is asking you to partner with us in helping Second Harvest Food Bank raise the funds they need to buy healthy, nutritious food for local children.  If you live locally, you can also donate specified food items.
(Email us for more information.) 

For more information about the Share Your Lunch Program and Second Harvest Food Bank, please read the following or visit them on the web at http://www.secondharvestfood.org/:

 

FAQ: 
 

How many kids might go hungry this summer?

According to the California Food Policy Advocates, 115,965 children are eligible for subsidized school meals in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. During the summer, these children are at an increased risk for going hungry.


How much of my donation directly benefits programs and services?

Because of Second Harvest Food Bank's ability to purchase food in bulk quantities and their incredible volunteer force, 96¢ of every $1 donated goes directly to food programs to benefits the needy.  They have earned a 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, America's premier independent charity evaluator.


What foods does Second Harvest Food Bank purchase with financial contributions?

Second Harvest uses cash donations to buy healthy foods that are appealing to children, such as fresh produce, granola bars, juice, cereal, tuna and crackers. We have nutritionists on staff to ensure that all food allocations are balanced and meet the minimum food guidelines.


Why Is Earth's Kids Involved with Second Harvest?

Earth's Kids is a proud promoter of the idea that Kids Can Make a Difference!  Our mission is to support kids in reaching their potential to create positive change through

nurturing a firm foundation of loving and effective parenting,

promoting high quality developmentally appropriate education, and by

connecting kids and their families with community service opportunities.

Clearly chronic hunger poses an immediate threat to the welfare of our community's children.  And studies show that chronic hunger impedes a child's ability to learn and develop to their full potential.   And of course the stress of hunger and poverty undermines our families as well.  The tension and worry leads to anxiety, depression, and an increased risk of domestic violence and substance abuse.

Any of these is reason enough to become involved.  But confronting the problem of hunger in our community is also an important opportunity for all of us to get our children involved in community service.   Through community service projects our kids learn that compassion and concern are appropriate and healthy emotions -- emotions that can be channeled into positive action, rather than stuffed down and ignored.  They also learn useful skills, positive self-esteem, and a sense of belonging.   And most of all, they learn how individuals can make a real difference by working together with others!  

For more information on how kids can change the world, click here!

 

 

TO DONATE ONLINE

Click here to jump to the Second Harvest website and make a much needed donation.  When prompted, for donor type select "Community Group", for organization select "Earth's Kids".  This will help Second Harvest track their fundraisers, and help Earth's Kids plan for future drives.  All monies goes directly to Second Harvest!

 

Please note:  this drive is to benefit the local Santa Clara County chapter of Second Harvest Food Bank.   To find and support your local food bank, within the United States:

 

Find A Food Bank
 In Your Area at:

FEEDING AMERICA

http://feedingamerica.org/

 

 

Do you have questions or suggestions?  Great!  Drop us some email!

 


 

 

LEARN EVEN MORE

 Local Hunger Issues & Second Harvest Food Bank

 

 

To find out how other kids feel after helping raise donations
 for Second Harvest, watch this video!

 

 

 

 Learn more about Second Harvest Food Bank

 

 

Food Assistance & Nutrition Information:


America’s Second Harvest: www.secondharvest.org

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS): www.fns.usda.gov/fns/default.htm

The Food Stamp Nutrition Connection (FSNC): http://foodstamp.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=15&tax_level=1

National Institutes of Health: www.nih.gov/

Nutrition.gov: www.nutrition.gov

 

 

Articles:
 

February 24, 2009 The Mercury News
Almost half of California seniors struggle to survive PDF
 

February 19, 2009 Inside Bay Area
Bay Area food banks busy as economy tanks PDF
 

November 14, 2008 The Mercury News
Food Bank struggles to meet growing requests for help PDF
 

October 13, 2008 Philanthropy News Digest
Bay Area charities brace for fallout from economic downturn PDF
 

July 10, 2008 Inside Bay Area
San Mateo County programs continue to feed children during summer PDF
 

July 9, 2008 KCBS
Huge demand for summer lunch program MP3
 

August 8, 2007 Inside Bay Area
Non-Profits give kids lunch during summer vacation PDF
 

Nov 08, 2004 The Mercury News
Bay Area food banks cater to clients' cultures PDF

 

For more articles visit:  http://www.secondharvestfood.org/aboutus/_in_the_news.php


 

 

 

Send us some email!

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Do you need food?
If you or someone you know needs food in
 Santa Clara county
 please call Second Harvest Food Bank at

 1-800-984-3663.
 The call is free.
The food is free.


Find A Food Bank
 In Your Area at:

FEEDING AMERICA

http://feedingamerica.org/

Feeding America is committed to helping end the fight against hunger. In addition to visiting your local food bank or emergency relief organization, here are some other links and information that may help. More info.

 

 

 

 

 

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