Hunger Affecting More and More People

I read a disturbing article in the New York Times this week. Hunger is at a 14 year high. It's staggering. And the thought of kids going hungry makes my heart hurt as a mom (and a human).

We're so lucky - we don't worry where our next meal is coming from. So many don't have that luxury, so we make it a priority to help. I've already dropped off a very large box of groceries in the bin at my office and we budget money to donate over the course of the year to the food bank that is in our small town.

It's not too late to help your local food bank by donating food or your time. It doesn't take a Ph.D. to assume that food banks will be hit hard this year due to our crap economy.

Oh, and since we're a peanut allergy family (and well aware of other food allergies), we donated a variety of allergy friendly foods (including gluten free items and a few jars of sunbutter). Allergies know no boundaries, right?

How else can we help??

Happy Nie Nie Day to You.

This post has nothing to do with peanut allergy. It has to do with a fellow blogger who needs our help. I don't personally know Stephanie (Nie Nie) or Christian, but their story has moved me and I want you to know about it as well.

Last week Christian and Stephanie Nielson were in a very serious plane crash. They are a young couple with four children under the age of six. They are in critical condition. Stephanie has third degree burns covering 80% of her body and Christian has third degree burns over 30% of his body. The recovery will be very long and very expensive.

If you are able, please consider contributing to this fund that will go directly to the family. http://www.nierecovery.com/

Today, several websites are auctioning off items for their benefit. Go here to see the comprehensive list: http://www.designmom.com/ .

Updates about Stephanie and Christian here: http://blog.cjanerun.com/

If you can't donate or join in the auction, could you say a few words/prayers into the universe for these two (and their 4 children)? Anything can help.

Completely Off Topic...But Holiday Related!

Hey there everyone. Just thinking about Christmas shopping. Mark and I have gotten to the point where we pretty much have everything we need/want (oh, except for that lear jet - hee hee), and anything we are really wanting we save for (oh who am I kidding we usually charge it and spend the next month or two paying for it) and buy it ourselves.

Where was I?

This time of year always makes me anxious, as there really isn't anything I want or need. So when folks and family start talking about what we're doing for gifts each year I just get uncomfortable. I know it sounds all hippie dippie, but I really would rather you make a donation in my name to a good cause. Rather than being burdened by something else I don't need (even if it's a nice gift) or something I really don't want, I suggested not giving anything to the adults in the family and just buying for the kids.

This was met with some - ahem- resistance. I guess I am in the minority. But I would rather folks spend $25 to help towards feeding someone, clothing someone, educating someone, or teaching them how to support themselves.

How do you feel?

I found a great list on Work It Mom! today with charity/donation gift ideas. Check it out. There's a charity for just about anyone on the list (and don't forget about local food banks in your area).

So this year, I am going to compromise. Each person will get a small gift from us, but along with it I will make a donation. I think some of my family members will be in for a shock when they get what to them will look like a donation to the Human Fund in their name. Here's hoping they'll feel all warm and fuzzy instead.

disclaimer: don't get me wrong - i like getting presents! i just don't like the feeling of going overboard each year (both receiving and giving).

Do Your Part to End Hunger

Sometimes I go on and on about how difficult it can be to negotiate the world of food with a peanut allergy, oftentimes forgetting that some folks aren't as lucky as we are. Some folks don't wonder what they will eat, they wonder if they will eat.

Noone should ever be hungry, especially kids, so we donate as much as we can to this local organization. Can you spare a few dollars for some hungry folks in your area? It doesn't take much. Check out how far it goes at Second Harvest. I bet if you Google 'food bank+yourcity' something will pop up. Go ahead, try it.

It's just a few lattes (or burgers or a CD) for you. But it will help calm a little (or big) kid's rumbling belly.

We all need to take care of each other. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Hope yours is safe and happy (and reaction free).