You Making a Diff, Part II
What can one person do to fight worldwide hunger?
A lot. A whole lot.
. Pray. And give thanks that your needs are met.
. Every home or group can sponsor at least one child in the developing world. My friend Celestin was such a child, supported on $6/month by a poor widow. Today he is Dr. Musukera, called in to help governments such as Sudan in bringing reconciliation among warring peoples. Pretty good investment, I'd say. Compassion International. World Vision. Food for the Hungry. Sponsorship organizations abound. Find your favorite and commit. Write and love on your child regularly.
. Support projects like my hubby's. He's helping the hungry and displaced return home following civil unrest in Kenya. It costs $580 to build a single-family dwelling. He has reservations to return to Kenya in June, and so far he has enough funds raised to build ten homes. Maybe your Sunday School class, Little League group, Scout troop, or rooftop karaoke group would like to build someone a home?
Donate to your local food bank—that’s a help, too. Food banks are straining to meet the demand. My dad picks up day-old bread from the grocery store and takes it where it’s needed.
Another way, a major way, is to write a letter or call your representative. This is a biggie. As the Gates Foundation’s spokesperson once noted, most of us are willing to give our time and our money, but we don’t give our voices. And voice is key.
Think about it… Food banks get most of their donations not from you or me but from food-processing companies. And those companies donate because they get tax breaks. Tax breaks happen because somebody asks for them.
Farmers can eke out more produce per acre when scientists find ways to grow cheaper, drought-resistant food. Incentives for research to create such foods come from government incentives to improve the agricultural infrastructure.
Consider gathering your family or group to write an offering of letters. View a sample here.
Or call. The same link provides instructions on what to say. You don’t have to be up on legislation to use your voice. Just tell your representatives hunger matters to you. Wednesday is a key day this week.
You can make more of a difference than you might think. Seriously.