Happy Birthday To Me -- And The $1 Gift I'd Like You To Give

Some suggestions of food insecurity charities that need your help

In honor of my birthday, this is a free post for all subscribers.

Today is my birthday. In New Orleans, I discovered the delightful custom of birthday dollars. When someone finds out it is your birthday, they pin a dollar to your shirt. People can end up wearing a bouquet of dollars.

Rather than pin me, I’d prefer that you give $1 -or more - to some places that can really use your help.

Food banks and food pantries around the country are reporting unprecedented need. As I recently reported for Food & Wine, more than one-quarter of Americans are skipping meals because food has gotten too expensive, and some are considering applying for SNAP so they can get by.

If you are feeling generous, I would appreciate your support for a local food insecurity charity. One dollar is fine; more if you are so inclined.

Here’s a list of some you might consider.

Food Gatherers was founded in 1989 by Zingerman’s Deli. It’s one of a number of organizations around the country that collect excess food from restaurants and grocery stores, and re-distribute it. I’ve donated some of the extra products that brands send to me.

Second Harvest operates food banks in various parts of the country. I support the New Orleans chapter. It urgently needs volunteers this summer, if you have any time to spare. Second Harvest Nola accepts donations of home grown food such as citrus fruit and vegetables through its Fruit Tree Project.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository has over 800 partners across the community. Yet, I’ve seen posts from the group saying that food supplies are running low, especially in winter months.

So Others Might Eat helps feed people in need in the Washington, D.C. area. It has been in existance since 1970. Along with food, it helps clients access health care and housing.

Food Bank For New York City has been operating since 1983. It works with 1,800 charities around the city. Every $1 donated can help prepare five meals.

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank has a monthly gift match underway through August 12. Every donation up to $20,000 will be matched if you sign up to donate each month. So, your $1 in my honor can become $2 in their hands.

Extra Food is like Food Gatherers. Under its Food Recovery Program, the organization collects excess fresh food from businesses and schools —fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, eggs, meat, baked goods, and prepared meals — and immediately delivers it to people facing food insecurity.

Thank you so much for considering my birthday appeal. You will make my day and someone else’s brighter. And if you have favorite food organizations, please list the names and links in Comments.