Project Feed Me
Five years ago I had the opportunity to live in Romania for an entire summer. I volunteered in an orphanage for handicap children and also worked with a low income summer camp. This experience was unlike anything I can describe. Romania is an poverty stricken country. I saw hundreds of children living on the streets, families pitching make-shift tarp tents in the fields. I visited homes that were half the size of my bedroom and housed a family of seven. People did not have bathrooms or running water. Most people went hungry on a daily basis.
The conditions of the orphanage were not much better. The children were locked away in small rooms with little to no contact. Their diapers were never changed, their bellies never full, and their hearts heavy. The first day I visited the orphanage and saw the children living in these conditions, my heart broke in two. I sobbed just thinking about what I had seen. These children had no chance of a healthy, happy life. I called my mother and decided I couldn’t handle seeing their pain. I didn’t want to know what they were going through. My heart could not handle the weight. Unbearable as things seemed, my mother helped me see that love and service would give these children hope, something they may never have had. I decided that if I could be a ray of light in their life, even if just for a short time, I would be giving them something special. I prayed it would bring them some sort of comfort. That prayer gave me hope.
My experiences from that summer are too long to write about, but so near to my heart. Giving these children of myself was incredible. I began to see their eyes light up and have joy. Funny thing is, as much as these children needed me, I needed them more. Their sweet spirits touched my soul and took my heart places it had never been. My service to them changed my life forever.
It has now been five years since that summer in Romania but I long to go back. I long to help those sweet children I once called my own. I long to give them everything they will never have. I'm not sure these feelings will ever go away.
It’s easy to focus my thoughts and efforts on my children in Romania. I saw their needs, I witnessed their struggles and I heard their cries.
Lately I have been thinking about what I can do to help make a difference in the life of others around me. I want to do something to help people in need. I have been blessed so much and want to give back, but how? I haven't personally seen a comparative need here at home to that in Romania. I don't see children begging for the food on the streets. I've never watched a family make a home in the fields where I live. I don't know anyone who doesn't have a bathroom or running water. Does that mean that kind of poverty does not exist around us??
I really got to thinking about these things and decided to do some research to find out what's really going on around me. Could there be people in my community who are in similar situations as the people of Romania? Could I really help people so close to home?
Take a look at these statistics:
-On average 1 out of every 8 Americans are hungry
-In 2007, an estimated 12.4 million children lived in low food security and very low food security households
-13.3 million (approximately 18%) of children in the U.S. live in poverty
-In 2006, food insecurity in suburban areas was 9% (42 million households) and very low food security 3.2% (1.5 million households)
These statistics are just a few out of hundreds related to hunger, poverty and the problem “our” children are facing. It is happening right here. It is in our back yards. Families are suffering. Millions of children are going to bed hungry.
You and I are blessed. We have roofs over our heads, clothes to wear, food to eat and so much more. I know we are all trying each day to be better people. We work hard to stay positive, and try to do what is necessary to improve ourselves. I know with all my heart that the best way to do these things is to put other people first. Service is the key.
“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt. 25:40).
I've created a plan to help us do it. Something you and I can do to make a difference, a big difference. I can't do this alone, but I know with your help and all of our determination, we will make BIG things happen. Take a look at my proposal.
Project Feed Me
October 12, 2009-December 12, 2009
What is Project Feed Me?
Project Feed is a nine week program designed to help feed thousands of hungry Families.
The Goal
-Donate as many items of food as possible to the Local Food Banks
-Rally as many people as possible to participate in Project Feed Me
-Give back and Feed the hungry
How do I participate?
Four Easy Steps:
1. Register and become a member of Project Feed Me
Registering for the project is important and will help Project Feed Me keep track of how many people are participating. We will also be able to keep track of how much food we are collecting and how many people we will be able to feed!!
2. Commit to buying two of the "recommended food items" per week for the entire nine week project
(These items will not be expensive! Some weeks the items will not even equal $1.00)
3. Commit to getting at least 3 other people to become members of Project Feed Me
4. At the end of nine weeks, look up your local food bank (US here) (Canada here)and donate your items
*The recommended food items are a list of items that have been predetermined by Food Banks across the country. The recommended food items will be posted at nono2yoyo.com every Monday Starting Monday October 12. It will be your responsibility to check back each week to find out what the weekly item is and ensure you are buying the foods that are recommended and needed by the food banks.
How do I become a member?
-It's super easy, and free! Register HERE to become a member and participate.
Registering for the project is important and will help Project Feed Me keep track of how many people are participating. We will also be able to keep track of how much food we are collecting and how many people we will be able to feed!!
-After you register, you will receive email confirmation of your registration. Your confirmation email will also include the HTML code for the Project Feed Me button (shown above). If you have blog or website and you want to help spread the word, add this button to your page for others to see!
-Once you are confirmed a member you will be added to the Project and can start feeding the hungry!
The table below is an illustration of what could be possible if each of us commit to rally three other people to join Project Feed Me. The numbers are staggering.
1.2 million items of food, and that's if you and I buy only two cans of food a week for nine weeks and commit to rally three other people to do the same thing!! Does that excite you? I hope so!! Because it makes me want to scream with excitement!! Are you ready to help make this happen? If so…
REGISTER HERE
If you plan on participaiting in the Project please take 30 seconds to register yourself. Registering for the project is important and will help Project Feed Me keep track of how many people are participating. We will also be able to keep track of how much food we are collecting and how many people we will be able to feed!!
How do I register?
It's easy and free. Register HERE to become a member and participate.
Why do I need to register?
Registering for the project is important and will help Project Feed Me keep track of how many people are participating. We will also be able to keep track of how much food we are collecting and how many people we will be able to feed!!
Do I have to have a blog or site to participate?
NO! Anyone that would like to participate is encouraged to do so. You do not have to have a blog or website to join in and participate.
Why is the project nine weeks long?
Project Feed Me was designed to help feed hungry famlies over the holidays. What better way to give back and share our blessings with those in need. The project will end two weeks before Christmas allowing members to deliver and donate their items before the holiday. Project Feed Me's proceeds with then help feed hungry families over the holidays.
How do I tell others about the Project?
You can tell your friends and family about Project Feed me by sending them the following link: Project Feed or www.nono2yoyo.com/project-feed-me
Is Project Feed Me a competition?
No. Project Feed Me is not a competition. Our goal is however to rally as many people as possible to participate. If friendly competition will help you get the job done…so be it, but remember, the only prizes that will be given are your food donations to hungry children and families across the country. What better prize could their be?!!
Can I register and participate even if the Project has already started?
Absolutely! Whether you start at week one or week eight, your participation is NEEDED!!
Why do I need to purchase the recommended food item, can't I just buy any type of food?
Food banks ask that if possible people buy the items on their recommended food list. This helps the food banks acquire the foods people are in need of.
How do I know what the recommended food item is for each week of the program?
Every Monday Starting Monday October 12th, the recommended food item for that week will be posted at "nono2yoyo.com". Make sure to check back weekly so you can purchase the right items each week.
When do I take the food to the food bank?
You can take your food to your local food bank at the end of the nine week project.
When the project is over where do I deliver my food?
Click "US Food Bank Locator " or "Canada Food Bank Locator" to find a food bank in your area.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at: nono2yoyo@gmail.com
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Lizzy on 2009.10.07
This is wonderful Natalie!
I'll be registering for sure
Lizzy´s last blog ..flash coffee
Courtney on 2009.10.07
I LOVE IT! I'm so happy you are doing this, and I plan to participate as well!
Such an amazing story about the Romania orphanage, those pics were heartbreaking but the kids still are all smiling…that is what is so wonderful.
I will def. be posting about this on my blog as well, I will link to you.
Thanks for giving all of us a way to help!
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
Courtney´s last blog ..The final mile showdown
Katherine on 2009.10.07
Very cool idea! I'm Canadian so while I'm not able to participate in giving to American food banks, I will definately be giving to our Canadian food banks.
You're right – a yearning in your heart doesn't go away unless you let it. Don't let it go!!! This is awesome!
Katherine´s last blog ..Goodbyes and hellos
Megan @ Megzz Wins At Life on 2009.10.07
ahhh what an amazing story!!! You are such an incredible person and you have done so much.. Way to go girl!
Megan @ Megzz Wins At Life´s last blog ..The suprising effect Green Monster have had on me
Sarah on 2009.10.07
This is an awesome idea! I plan to register and have posted a link on my blog to this page as well to spread the word!
Sarah´s last blog ..Project Feed Me
Natalie on 2009.10.07
Katherine! Thanks for your comment about project feed me! I am a complete nerd and totally forgot that a lot of people that will read about Project feed me will be from Canada. I have updated the project to show links to the local Canadian food banks and have also changed the wording a bit. THANK YOU for your support and willingness to help! I will get you registered asap!!
Julia on 2009.10.07
I admire you for this incredible idea!
I don't live in the US or Canada…but I wish you all the best with the project. You're a special lady!
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
Julia´s last blog ..International foodie finds
Cindy on 2009.10.07
NOW I know what's been keeping you so busy girl!
I was crying as soon as you posted that first picture. I HATE that people go hungry and live in such horrible conditions, when we don't!
I am already signed up!
our budget is very tight …as so many are …and I know we can still help!
I am going to spread the word on both my blogs ( I have another one for family) and in my office we always have giving folks!
This is going to be a great holiday effort and THANK YOU for organizing it!
I need help with how you want me to get the word out…can you email me later?
xo
Cindy´s last blog ..Tuesday Hookie Day
janetha on 2009.10.07
what a rad idea. you know i am down for the cause! registering now
janetha´s last blog ..some things. and a pickle.
Jamie on 2009.10.07
Wow. It is so easy to get caught up in what we "should" be eating and forget to just be thankful that we have choices and food readily available. Thanks for the reminder.
I will definitely be registering and am so glad you chose today to announce the project! I'm getting together with all of my girlfriends tonight and will share it with them as well! It is such an easy thing to do, but with enough people will make a huge difference!
Jamie
Madeline on 2009.10.07
I'll be registering tonight! What a fantastic idea!
Madeline´s last blog ..someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection…
Shelly Sister! on 2009.10.07
Woo Hoo!! I love it! I am signing up now and adding the button to my blog! You are the best sister!
Chocolate Covred Katie on 2009.10.07
This is so awesome of you to do this. I actually am involved in a similar organization for kids in China (where I used to live). So although I'm not going to register because I'm already involved, I wish you all the luck in getting as much support as possible. You are incredible!
Chocolate Covred Katie´s last blog ..Greens is the word, have you heard?
Karyn on 2009.10.07
this is such a great idea/project. you are amazing and have such a large heart!
Karyn´s last blog ..Gee Whiz
Nicole on 2009.10.07
I love this idea! Thank you for creating such a wonderful project. You have such a big heart – those pictures of you in Romania with the children were so touching. I am definitely going to post about this on my blog. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. This is great!
Nicole´s last blog ..Patience is a Virtue
homecookedem on 2009.10.07
Thank you for sharing your awesome experience!! What a kind heart you have! Even though I am struggling financially, I know there are people who have it far worse than me. I am registering for sure.
homecookedem´s last blog ..Experimental Grape Cakes
Cara (Cara Craves...) on 2009.10.07
I am so impressed by this!
Way to take something you are passionate about and really see it through. I think this is awesome
Cara (Cara Craves…)´s last blog ..Exercise Everywhere
Kirsten on 2009.10.07
Amazing post – you have clearly put so much work and heart into this! I am definitely going to look into donating what I can. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Kirsten´s last blog ..Boston – Beacon Hill
Lee on 2009.10.07
This seems great. I'll definitely check it out.
Stef on 2009.10.07
What a wonderful and touching story about your time spent in Romania. The children are absolutely beautiful. I love you idea and will try to get as many people as I know to help.
Stef´s last blog ..Guitar Hero
Meghan@traveleatlove on 2009.10.07
Count me in. You are amazing! I live by “For of those to whom much is given, much is required” and would love to help. Thanks
Melissa on 2009.10.07
Those pictures are so sad! It's so great that you were able to spend time with the kids, and I'm sure that you made their days by being there. You are such an inspiration!
Melissa´s last blog ..5 mile rockstar
Support Project Feed Me « Chasing the Now on 2009.10.07
[...] know about a service project I’ve started to help people in need over the holidays. It’s called Project Feed Me. I want to get the word out to you and the rest of our blogging community so together we can make [...]
sophia on 2009.10.07
You're AWESOME Natalie! Thank you for letting me know about this. I am hopping over to register right now! And to think I was complaining about only having 3 types of cheeses…shame on me! >:-(
sophia´s last blog ..The Real Natural Diet
Project Feed Me « on 2009.10.08
[...] Project Feed Me What is Project Feed Me? Project Feed is a nine week program designed to help feed thousands of hungry Families. [...]
AnnQ on 2009.10.08
What an amazing project! I always give to our local Shelter, but never anything even remotely close to what you've organized. And what you did in Romania was really wonderful….
AnnQ´s last blog ..When to break up with a Friend
Whit on 2009.10.08
Wow! I will be registering and reposting this for sure! Wonderful idea and way to give back Natalie!
Matt on 2009.10.08
Ok, I'm registered! This is a wonderful idea. I only committed to three, but hopefully I'll be able to get many more people than that. I'll mention it on my blog soon!
Matt´s last blog ..Yeah, about that Boston thing…
Project Feed Me and the usual shenanigans « Adventures in Tri-ing on 2009.10.08
[...] HERE to check out Natalie’s plan and register for the [...]
Mamaliga on 2009.10.08
natalie!
Thanks for visiting my blog!! Where in Romania did you go?? I am from Timisoara – and we have two children adopted from there around 1997-2000. Then we moved to Chicago –
let's talk!
Ciao,
Gabi.
Deciding to Do a 50 Mile Run on 2009.10.08
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Fantastic « Pursuing Balance on 2009.10.08
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Lara (Thinspired) on 2009.10.09
Oh my, what a life-changing experience. Natalie, what an amazing person you are. I am spreading the word from here in the UK. Please let me know if I can do anything else!
fitforfree on 2009.10.09
This is really such a brilliant idea!!!
fitforfree´s last blog ..Nature’s Path Review Part 1 of 2
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Polprav on 2009.10.21
Hello from Russia!
Can I quote a post in your blog with the link to you?
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New Week, New Start on 2009.11.02
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Project Feed Me Completed (almost) | Healthy Chow on 2009.12.17
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