Food is an incredibly powerful tool. Almost everyone enjoys a carefully crafted homecooked meal or baked dessert. But alongside the pleasure of eating it, food can achieve a lot more too. This article tells you about which food could be used which you need.
Countless people around the globe don’t have access to food or who can’t be supported through food-based activities. This is a sad reality of the world we live in. However, the good news is that we do have access to food and in turn, we can use that to help others who are vulnerable or struggling.
With this in mind, here are some popular methods to utilize food to make a difference.
Local Food Banks
To start with we can look at how you can make a difference in your local area. Whilst world hunger and starvation are usually present in developing countries, the truth is that people are struggling to eat or feed their families in every country, even your own. Often, through no fault of their own, individuals can find that the cost of living is too high for their wages or they get out of work due to unforeseen circumstances. In these situations, young families are particularly at risk, and parents can sometimes sacrifice eating themselves to feed their children, spending what little income they receive on keeping a roof over their heads.
Cost Free Food
Food banks are local non-profits that accept food donations from the public. These donations then go to needy individuals and families, becoming essential care packages that allow them to get back on their feet, stay healthy, and can change their situation.
Fairtrade Products
The Fairtrade initiative is one of the most successful of its kind and supports fair pay for workers in developing countries. When farmers sell through the fairtrade system, they receive a fair minimum price for their products; as long as they follow the Fairtrade Standards and pay any staff appropriate wages. Through this, the system supports local businesses, their workers, and the overall community. A stronger economy is built and money can be spent on what the area needs most. Then it doesn’t matter whether that be a fresh well, a school, or a hospital.
Buying Fairtrade products keeps this initiative alive, so consider it the next time you are out shopping and see the label.
International Charitable Food Donation
It’s important to mention the threat of world hunger and the struggles that many families go through in developing countries. This is particularly true for displaced families, orphans, and refugees who are no longer living at home. But they are traveling from shelter to shelter.
Meal Portions
International charities often provide dedicated packs for these vulnerable individuals. These meal packs can contain a variety of products depending on the location and needs of the individuals there, whilst also being motivated as part of a general appeal or focused event. Some religions even have dedicated calendar events that include giving meals to the needy. There are charities out there that support the delivery of these necessary meals which you can learn more about here.
Whatever your preference, a meal delivered by charities is one of the best ways to get nutritious meals to those who truly need them most.
Fundraising Events
Finally, on the topic of charities it’s worth mentioning that food is a great method of collecting donations for a good cause. Bake sales, sponsored dinners, and fun days all use food as an incentive to raise funds for charitable causes, local initiatives, organizations, and buildings. One of the best aspects of this is that you can fundraise for any cause locally. This means helping whichever people you are most passionate about supporting without incurring a huge expense.
Conclusion
Whilst these method are not the only ways to help people; they are some of the most effective and useful. If you are interested in making a difference through food be sure to investigate your around you. Take help of local banks, charity programs, or fundraising events for opportunities to help out.
