“Food is also an occasion for sharing, for distributing and giving, for the expression of altruism, whether from parents to children, children to in-laws, or anyone to visitors and strangers. Food is the most important thing a mother gives a child; it is the substance of her own body, and in most parts of the world mother’s milk is still the only safe food for infants. Thus food becomes not just a symbol of, but the reality of, love and security.” -Robin Fox, Food and Eating: An Anthropological Perspective
Did you know that 1 out of 5 children in the United States will be going to bed hungry tonight? With this sobering fact comes good news- a couple of small steps can make a dramatic impact on the lives of the families struggling with hunger.
There are so many campaigns today that are promoting human connection. Whether it be I Support You, bringing back red tent feminism, village parenting, or a general desire to rediscover community again. We as humans are craving to be social on the simplest level- support through community.
This is why many of us are advocating for a new era of social networking to enhance and develop “real life” relationships, rather that get lost in an online world. And with those real-life relationships come real-life problems. Problems that would be nonexistent in this new era of philanthropic connection.
Today, we’re introducing the Share a Meal (#shareameal) campaign. It is an amazing first step, not only to help curb hunger in America, but also to help us seek out and find connection with others. This is because sharing a meal is a basic social urge and one of the most ancient human rituals.
The video above explains how the face of hunger is often misleading. Many families that most of us would never expect to be affected are currently fighting day-to-day to make enough money to pay their bills and feed their families.
I want to challenge every one of you to think of a way to share a meal with others. It doesn’t have to be expensive or overly planned. For instance, if you’re making tacos or ordering out, invite a friend and her children over and make/order a few extra. The goal is to connect and serve others with the dignity and respect that we all deserve. You never know the impact it may have on those around you.
For more information please visit Project Sunlight by clicking here.
