Happy Food Day, TLT’ers!
In the past we’ve celebrated this day with a “virtual progressive dinner party” hosted by me and several food blogging friends. I’m sorry we didn’t get our acts together this year for another party, but one of those fellow bloggers, Brianne DeRosa of Red, Round or Green, has come up with an even better way to mark the day.
Bri’s idea is an initiative called “Second Helpings” and it’s easy to become a part of it. Between now and Thanksgiving, all you have to do is one thing (or more!) that accomplishes one of the following goals:
- Feeds a hungry person;
- Provides a meal to a busy family in need (and it doesn’t have to be financial need, it could be a family taxed by illness or a new baby, etc.);
- Supports a small farmer or food assistance program;
- Helps change policy about food and hunger assistance;
- Raises awareness about child nutrition, food allergies, or another food-related issue you care about; or
- Provides a healthy food option to someone who could use it.
Whenever you accomplish one of these goals, tell everyone about it by posting a comment here on TLT, on one of our Facebook pages (mine is here, Bri’s is here) or on Twitter with the hashtag #secondhelpings. Bri also suggests that we pass along a notice like this to friends and family:
Guess what I just did? I __________________ as part of the #secondhelpings project. We’re raising awareness about hunger, food distribution, and food policy in the United States by making small changes that everyone can be thankful for. I’d love to see you get involved, too! Feel free to ask me about it, or get more information at Red Round or Green or The Lunch Tray.
And here’s my favorite part: around Thanksgiving time, Bri and I will post a round-up of all the #secondhelpings stories we’ve received. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate both Food Day and Thanksgiving, two days devoted to food and fellowship.
Thanks so much, Bri, for coming up with this great idea and for letting me come along for the ride! 🙂 I hope other food bloggers join in and I’ll be sharing my own “Second Helpings” stories in the coming days.
Do You Love The Lunch Tray? ♥♥♥ Then “like” The Lunch Tray! Join almost 4,500 TLT fans by liking TLT’s Facebook page (or follow on Twitter) and you’ll get your Lunch delivered fresh daily, along with bonus commentary, interesting kid-and-food links, and stimulating discussion with other readers. You can also check out my virtual bulletin boards on Pinterest and find selected TLT posts on The Huffington Post.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Bettina Elias Siegel
Brenda @ Meal Planning Magic says
Oh, I love this idea! Way to go Bri! I didn’t get my act together either this year to do anything for Food Day (despite my best intentions–some other projects just got in the way). What I love about this is that it is paying it forward and about more than just a day. Yes, Food Day is meant to bring awareness to getting back to real food but in my mind it is also an annual reminder that it should become a way of life for every day.
Bri says
Thanks, Brenda! I hope you participate (I know you will) and share your #secondhelpings with us!
Bri says
Thanks, Bettina! So excited to be a part of this with you.
Donna says
What a lovely way to celebrate Food Day! I’ll make a donation tonight to our food bank. I will miss serving Thanksgiving dinner this year at Houston’s annual meal for those less fortunate, but I’ll use this project as a way to make up for it between now and then.