Share our strength

If you've been watching Food Network lately, you've probably seen the ads for the Great American Dine Out. Basically what this means is that if you can force yourself to go out for a night on the town and have dinner at one of the participating restaurants, they will make a donation to programs that strive to end childhood hunger. Read more about it and find a complete list of participating restaurants here.

Food Network's Aaron McCargo Jr. - winner of the 2008 Next Food Network Star - gave a touching pitch for the program on his show this weekend when he talked about how he used to go to neighborhood programs for free breakfast or free lunch when he was a child.

While I don't have that kind of personal experience, I see the impact hunger and poverty can have on children in my dayjob as a reporter. When children are hungry, it affects everything from their behavior to their learning. And the number of children in need is growing, fast, as the recession leaves many of their parents jobless. Here's a story I wrote last year on the issue.

Anyway, if you're dining out this week, consider dining at one of these restaurants. If you're not, don't despair. My sister pointed out that you'd probably make more of a difference if you just donated the money you would have spent on dinner (especially if you're choosing from sub-par restaurants). After all, the restaurants only donate a portion of your money.

Most schools or school districts have funds they use to help buy for things for students who are struggling to pay for basic necessities, including food. Most of the ones I deal with would gladly accept any amount of donation.