Finding hope at the grocery store

I went grocery shopping last Friday, which is, I've mentioned before, my least favorite thing in the world to do. As I went up the snack-food aisle, I saw the Orville Redenbacher's popcorn packages marked with a big red push pin designating it as part of ConAgra Foods' Child Hunger Ends Here campaign. Which made me smile despite my grocery-shopping blues.

Then it made me feel like a numskull. Because it reminded me that I had intended to add to my grocery list some of the products included in the Child Hunger Ends Here campaign but had completely forgotten to do so. Which isn't very Blogger Ambassador-like of me.

I did grab the Orville Redenbacher's, though, and I felt a little better knowing I'd make at least a small difference. Yesterday I used the code from the popcorn box to donate one meal to Feeding America and to download Jewel's version of Here's Hope, the song written especially for the campaign. It's a catchy song—and especially poignant sung by Jewel, who has faced food insecurity herself.

Here Jewel talks about her experience with child hunger, the song Here's Hope, and her participation in the Child Hunger Ends Here campaign:

 

To download Here's Hope from Jewel—or from Owl City or Jay Sean—purchase any of these products specially marked as part of the Child Hunger Ends Here campaign:

  • Banquet
  • Chef Boyardee
  • Healthy Choice
  • Hunt’s
  • Marie Callendar’s
  • Manwich
  • Orville Redenbacher
  • Peter Pan
  • Snack Pack

Then, with your code in hand (from the specially marked box), head on over to www.childhungerendshere.com to download your song. You will enjoy a tune, and a child in need will enjoy a meal.*

It's as easy as that to make a difference. And to get a catchy tune—for free.

*Enter the 8-digit code and a monetary donation will be made to help provide one meal through Feeding America's network of food banks, up to a maximum of 3 million meals for codes entered through 8/31/12. Valid in U.S. only. $1 donated = 8 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local food banks.

Disclosure: I have been compensated for this post and my participation in the Child Hunger Ends Here campaign. That said, anecdotes and opinions are my own and not influenced by anyone.