I was honored to be asked to be a part of the Blogging Out Hunger campaign here in New Jersey this year, especially because, unfortunately, this comes a little too close to home.  This year we qualified for the Food Stamp program, which is a mixed blessing because it means we are living under the poverty line for NJ.

But what about those families who make about $5 over the poverty line?  There are no food stamps for them and they are certainly no “richer” than my family.  What are they supposed to do?

Another way to think about it is that according to Check Out Hunger NJ, 1.6 MILLION people in NJ qualify for food assistance of some kind.  Over 500,00 of them are CHILDREN.  What about that 500,001 child.  Is he any less hungry than my child?

These Adults and Children really depend on your help and there are many ways you can make a difference:

1.  Right in your own grocery store:  You will find a display of Check-Out Hunger donation slips at the checkout aisles.

2.  In your own home:  You can donate through the Check-Out Hunger in New Jersey website at Check-Out Hunger NJ.

As we come to the holiday season, it is natural for us to be charitable, but people need food all year long.

If you put my browned-hair, brown-eyed son next to another browned-hair, brown-eyed boy, would you notice the difference?  The difference is that my son receives Food Stamps and the other boy’s family doesn’t qualify.

Please consider donating.  Thank you.