It’s that time of year again where Thanksgiving is only a few days away. It’s a wonderful holiday where families tend to come together and work to prepare a feast for all to share. It’s also a time where we try to remember to be thankful for what we have in life, this year especially. With all of the tragic events that have happened recently, we are so lucky to be living in America, a country where we feel safe and free to express ourselves. One thing we should appreciate particularly is the feast that will be sitting on our dining room table this Thursday. It’s not about the food, but rather the idea that we can afford to have such a lavish meal to share with our family and friends.
Many Americans will not be dining with their families this Thanksgiving, and an astounding amount will not have a proper Thanksgiving or one at all. Thanksgiving isn’t necessarily a cheap meal. Of course you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on it, but when you can barely afford food during the year, Thanksgiving is no exception. According to Feeding America, one in seven people struggle with hunger in the United States.
Thanksgiving isn’t the only time families living in poverty can’t have a proper meal. Nearly 13 million families struggle with hunger daily, and that means they most likely aren’t getting the nutrition they should be to stay healthy and strong.
So when you’re sitting down to your turkey dinner this Thanksgiving, consider giving thanks and appreciating the meal before you. There is also action you can take to help battle the issue of hunger in America. Donating nonperishables every so often to organizations like All Faith’s Food Bank can help tremendously. 5.4 million individuals are served at food banks weekly, so there is always a great demand for food donations. During Thanksgiving season especially, there are thousands of organizations that try to put together and deliver meals for underprivileged families locally and nationally.
I’ve worked with a non-profit in my hometown called The Foundation That Love Built Inc, where we raised money for the food, bought it, and delivered it to the families personally. Through this experience, I gained a new perspective on just how many families wouldn’t have had a Thanksgiving without the help of an organization. It was very powerful to see first hand, because it’s hard to imagine not having an abundant meal on Thanksgiving since I’ve never had to go without one.
I’m not writing this so you will feel bad about having a plentiful Thanksgiving while others may not; it’s just important that we are aware and help make others aware. If you have a little free time this holiday or any time in the future, I would consider going to your local grocery store and donating a bag of perishables to a local food drive. You will make a family very grateful and happy.
