I think it is critical that those closest to the hungerfight actively encourage stakeholders in their community to look at the hunger issue. In Southwest Florida we engaged the Gannett News Press Editorial Board in the conversation and they called community leaders to rally around the issue.  We actually had a meeting and sat around a table with 45 people who needed to learn more. Some of these community stakeholders had never examined hunger before--they had ideas those closest to the hungerfight had never considered.  I loved hearing their ideas! There are stages in building compassion and advocacy around an issue.  First eyes must be opened to the issue, then response to the need and finally relationships established with those in need.  We all help and examine and engage with issues we understand on a personal level.  If people in your community are not talking about hunger then challenge yourself to go out and inspire them to learn more...and then sit back and listen to their ideas.

My colleagues at Bread for the World Institute (the research wing of our lobbying organization) are engaged in innovative and inspiring research about hunger.  They put together a Hunger Report each year on the topic.  Here's a link to the interactive 2009 Hunger Report site: http://www.hungerreport.org/2009/  Next year's report will focus on green jobs and the link to hunger.

I'm also inspired by people who think about the topic from a theological and ethical perspective.  Writers like Ron Sider, Jim Wallis, Frances Moore Lappe.  Nicolas Kristof had an amazing article today in the NY Times about women's role in international development.

And Sarah Owen's comment on this post is why she inspires me every single day!  Well said Sarah!  Great topic Ed!  You are another true source of inspiration!

I have recently had the pleasure to engage in recent discussions about your initiative to help nationwide food bank(s) increase awareness of the issue of hunger and the people who are making a difference in the battle against hunger.  I believe this is a worthwhile and much needed endeavor.  However, with the current economic climate, more funds and awareness are always needed.  I would like to join forces and help with your initiative.  I have just finished a new book entitled The Bermuda Triangle Diet (November, Strategic Book Publishing, New York).  I teach readers that fads don’t work but consistent exercise and sound nutrition will always work in the battle for better health and fitness. 

A multi-city book tour beginning in January 2010 is being scheduled and through an alliance with Feeding America, my goal is to visit over 20-food bank communities in this country.  My mission is to perform a live event where food bank members, corporate supporters and individual donors learn the importance of making exercise and supportive nutrition part of their lifestyle through my Live It Fit Event!  Our aim is to raise funds, collect food and increase awareness in each community for the food bank.  I’ve performed this before with the Food Bank of Western New York and raised nearly $20,000 and over 1,000 pounds of food in one day!  During this action packed and exciting event, I teach individuals how to improve their health, fitness and nutrition.  I also teach individuals:

·         How to shop for food  

·         Prepare meals

·         Schedule time to workout

·         Eat supportively

·         Avoid being deceived by gadgets, diets and tabloids

·         And much more!

In addition, my publisher Strategic Publishing, has agreed to donate one dollar to local food banks with the sale of each book sold in that community.  I am also donating my time in the public schools of the various host cities by visiting classes (5-8 grades) and using my passion to teach children how to incorporate health and nutrition into their life at an early age, so that they can benefit for a lifetime.  I am looking for Tyson to help this initiative by pledging to donate directly to the local food bank(s) that I am visiting.  Please let me know if you would have interest in this endeavor.  More information on this program is available at: http://www.siteproweb.com/food-bank-fundraiser. I look forward to collaborating with you on this initiative and know together we can create a wonderful experience of nutrition and health for children and needy individuals in many communities. 

Make the Most of your Life…Live it Fit™

Derek Alessi Ph.D.

Author: Lose Fat Forever & The Bermuda Triangle Diet

President, Alessi Fitness Inc.

Tel.716.633.2030 x2

I highly recommend Joel Berg's new book "All You Can Eat," which includes a blueprint for ending hunger in America - and how much it will cost. 

Nice article.I like to read it.I have also enjoy while reading this. I think drive to eat is very different from the drive in thin people.

We all must think about the hunger.In this day's in the world there are more then 20% people are sleep with out taking food.So we have to tink and helping this type of people by trust,cherity and help foundation.

When I was little, we had a deep freezer and used it all the time to keep food around for a family of 6 (plus anybody else who showed up to eat). When I started fending for myself, my tiny shared apartment freezer was always full of ice cream and frozen pizzas. By the time my cooking skills grew up, I still had a tiny little freezer. Apartment living doesn’t allow for the luxury of stockpiling food, taking advantage of sales, or making a whole lot of leftovers. When the freezer is full of a weeks worth of lunches for my Ginger Man, there’s not room for much else. Someday, I want a great big fridge with a fat freezer.