In this segment, HLN news anchor Jane Velez-Mitchel proposes dumpster diving as a viable answer to feeding our nation’s hungry population. Accompanied by a self-proclaimed “freegan,” Velez-Mitchel even demonstrates how to dumpster dive for food and put together a tasty, wholesome meal.

While most of us (myself included) cringe at the thought of digging our meals out of the trash, Velez-Mitchel does make an important point.  Why do we waste so much food while our neighbors go hungry?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “more than 34 million tons of food waste was generated” in 2010 alone. And, “food wasted accounted for almost 14 percent of the total municipal solid waste stream.” More than any other category except paper.

Let’s be clear – dumpster diving isn’t the answer and for three key reasons.

- It involves digging through legitimate garbage to find the consumable food. And you’d still have to clean it thoroughly to remove any potentially dangerous contaminates.

- While food scavenging itself may not be illegal, it usually involves trespassing on private property, which is.

- It isn’t always practical, especially for large families and single parents who can’t leave their children home alone or bring them along for a nighttime dumpster dive.

What is the solution? Redistribute the excess food.

In 1996, President Clinton signed the Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act to “encourage the donation of food and grocery products to nonprofit organizations for distribution to needy individuals” by protecting them from civil or criminal liability (in the event that the donated food caused illness).

That includes us. Cans of unappealing veggies taking up room in your pantry? Packets of sauce mixes you’ll never actually use? Perhaps an older box of pasta? Instead of throwing out that can of just-expired soup, donate it to your local food bank.

I couldn’t do anything about the expired milk I had to toss, but I did pause to reflect that I’m lucky enough to have milk in the first place. A lot of people, especially children, aren’t so fortunate as to have “excess food.” We can help.

How? Every time a Seattle Mariners player hits a 350’ home run at Safeco Field, Trader Joe’s will donate $100 to the Emergency Feeding Program (EFP) of King County, which provides crisis hunger response and resource counseling to people in need

This isn’t the first time that Trader Joe’s and the Seattle Mariners have teamed up to help fight hunger.

2010: Trader Joe’s donated $10,000
2011: Trader Joe’s donated $7,500

As we all know, every dollar can go a long way towards helping our hungry neighbors. So let’s cheer on our Seattle Mariners. Because the better they swing, the bigger the hit against hunger.

You can do more than cheer for our beloved Mariners, you can also sign up to be a recurring donor for $1 a month at feedwashington.org and help our hungry kids in Washington!

Lyric is just one of many hungry children in Washington State.  And thanks to you, Feed Washington was just able to distribute $2,300 to help the North Seattle Boys and Girls Club reliably provide her and other hungry children with regular healthy meals.

Ever wonder just how much of a difference your donation makes? Here’s the math: For every dollar, the Club can provide three nutritious meals. Which means…

$1 = 3 meals
$2,300 = 6,900 meals

That’s almost 7,000 meals!  And to hungry children like Lyric, those are often the only healthy meals that they can depend on.

Because of the neighborhood’s low income levels, many kids just eat fast food – hardly the type of food to nourish growing children.  But at the Club, more than 80 kids receive a healthy breakfast and snack.  And 20 teens even receive dinner.

During the summer, Lyric went the Club’s all-day summer camp sometimes with just a sandwich.  But Club staff always made sure she had breakfast, lunch and snacks with fruits and vegetables.  Now, Lyric says that the Club gives her better food than she gets at home.  And, she even thinks of them as family.

And it’s your generous donations that will help Lyric and the other hungry children who rely on the North Seattle Boys and Girls Club for steady meals.

Let’s keep up the good work!

An exciting, one-day, online charitable giving event, the Seattle Foundation’s GiveBIG is designed to raise money for more than 1,200 non-profit organizations.  And FeedWashington is pleased to participate.

What makes GiveBIG so special? GiveBIG sponsors will be matching a percentage of individual, one-time donations made through the GiveBIG website, which means that your donation will go even farther to feed Washington’s hungry children.

What: Seattle Foundation’s GiveBIG

When: May 2, 2012

Where: http://www.seattlefoundation.org

Search For: FeedWashington

This is a great way for you (and anyone you know) to give a one-time donation that will help make a big difference in the life of Washington’s hungry children. For you, it’s only one day and one donation – but for them, it means that someone cares.

So, mark your calendar… GiveBIG. May 2, 2012. All day.  Online.  Make a pledge for FeedWashington, and a percentage of your donation will be matched to make an even bigger difference to help feed hungry children.

While it can be easy to judge these teen mothers and fathers for their reckless behavior, it is impossible for most of us to understand the circumstances that have brought them to their current situation. Regardless, we can’t turn our backs on them or their babies. These babies didn’t choose their lot and, of course, can’t feed themselves. Without proper nourishment, their brains and bodies may not develop properly, thereby putting even more strain on themselves, their parents, and society in the future.

Elizabeth Grant, Executive Director of SCFB, describes the lives of these teens in this way: “Many of the students will live outside when the weather permits, but when it doesn’t, these kids will couch surf to and from friends’ houses. One left home because his parents are drug abusers and he chooses not to live that life. Impressive. Seven young ladies were kicked out when they became pregnant, so we feed the child and the child’s child. It is a heart-breaking problem, and I am so fortunate to be able to be a part of the solution.”

Feed Washington’s delivery of over 70,000 fluid ounces of formula to SCFB will ensure the babies of these homeless teens will, for many months to come, be properly fed. By providing an abundant supply of baby formula we eliminate the risk that the teens will make poor choices such as thinning the formula to save money, or simply not buying formula at all.

Feed Washington, with your help, is fulfilling its mission of providing nourishing food to the most helpless in our State. Please consider sharing this story with your friends and family. One person at a time, and one dollar at a time, we are making a difference.

Thanks again for your continued support!

Eirik Olsen, President/Founder

Economic uncertainty and the rising cost of living have more and more families facing food insecurity. Many of these families are just barely ineligible for Washington State’s Basic Food Program (food stamps), yet they still struggle to put food on the table.  And of those that do qualify, approximately 1/3 won’t take advantage of it, often because they either don’t know they qualify or because the assistance amount itself is so low (the average is only $1.04 per person per meal), they don’t see it being worth the social stigma.

The result?

* More than 400,000 of Washington’s children will go hungry on a regular basis
* Our local food banks are increasingly overwhelmed and undersupplied
* Families often have to choose critical necessities (rent or mortgage) over buying food
* The food that is available typically lacks the nutritional value necessary for healthy childhood development

Yes, childhood hunger is a growing problem – but it’s an easy problem to solve.  And, helping to end childhood hunger in Washington is one of the easiest resolutions you can make.  All it takes is a simple, recurring monthly donation of $10, $5 or even $1. Any amount will help.

Feed Washington is a true non-profit that works with other non-profits, community programs and emergency food providers to put every penny of every donation to work feeding hungry children in Washington.  You probably won’t even notice the difference on your credit card, but it will make a difference to a hungry child.  Help end childhood hunger in the New Year. Donate today.

Feed Washington is committed to fighting hunger in our state. We have successfully provided 12,000 meals and 140,114 fluid ounces of baby formula to families in need this year. We couldn’t do this without our generous donors.

This holiday season give a gift that gives back. Nutritious food is the best Christmas gift many Americans could ever hope for. We ask that you get involved and set up a small recurring donation and contribute to the successes of Feed Washington donors.

Let’s help our state’s kids start the New Year off with their basic necessities taken care of. Eradicating childhood hunger doesn’t require finding a cure. The solution, as we all know, lies simply in applying money to the purchase and distribution of food. Since our State’s hungry kids can’t feed themselves, it is our responsibility to help them until they can. Please join us in ending childhood hunger.

Serving all of Pierce County for nearly 30 years, the Food Connection is a designated infant feeding site that works hard to supply families in need with infant formula and baby food.  According to Kevin Glackin-Coley, the Director of St. Leo’s Food Connection, “Baby formula is rarely donated and is expensive to purchase; we struggle to have enough on hand.”

With the holidays fast approaching, the need becomes even more poignant as the Food Connection’s stores of infant formula dwindle.  “The donation from Feed Washington is an unexpected and gratefully appreciated blessing, coming as it does at the time of year when our client numbers always increase,” says Glackin-Coley.

To everyone who made this possible – thank you. Again, your donation resulted in a massive distribution of 83,840 fluid ounces of formula that will end up in the bellies of some of our State’s most vulnerable and hungry children.

If you’re new to Feed Washington, or the fight against hunger, we’re asking you to commit to a small, recurring credit card donation in whatever amount you won’t notice on your monthly statement. Whether it’s $1, $5, or more, every dollar counts. Please join us by donating today.

Thanks again for your continued support!

Eirik Olsen, President/Founder

It doesn’t have to be this way. We all have a responsibility –  a responsibility to care for one another and make sure that those less fortunate get the food they need.

Nationally, 23.2 percent of American children live in households that struggle to put nutritious food on the table every day. Washington’s ranking among the states for childhood hunger continues to rise each year. In 2010, our state ranked 13th out of 50.

The issues these children face can be complex; the solution to their hunger is not: Feed children three nutritious meals each and every day. We cannot allow children in our community to go hungry – it must become a top priority for all of us to come together to solve this challenge.

Feed Washington is a true non-profit relief organization that’s dedicated to feeding hungry children in Washington.  No matter how large or small your contribution, you can help us end childhood hunger in our State and give hungry Washington children a chance at a real future.

Please donate today.

Sept. 1^st – Organize a neighborhood food drive.  You can set bags out in your community and pick up the food later. Donate to your local Food Bank.

Sept. 2^nd – “Like” Feed Washington and post a comment on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/FeedWashington.

Sept. 3^rd – Go to the Cheesecake Factory! The Cheesecake Factory will donate $0.25 per slice of their NEW Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cheesecake to Feeding America (our national association of food banks.) The program will run from September 1, 2011 through August 31, 2012.

Sept. 4^th – Have a dinner party and invite friends.  Instead of a hostess gift or a bottle of wine, ask your friends to make a donation to Feed Washington.  You could even collect food or donations at the dinner party to donate to your local food bank.

Sept. 5^th – Tweet/Blog/Post on social media about Hunger Action Month. “Like and Share” Hunger Action Month status posts on the Feed Washington Facebook page.

Sept. 6^th – Share your lunch money! Encourage your employees or co-workers to bring their lunch to work on a specific day and donate the value of an average lunch to Feed Washington.

Sept. 7^th – Serve a Meal!  Find out how you can help serve a meal at a local shelter or community kitchen.

Sept. 8^th – Join your state legislators from north Seattle, Shoreline, and Bothell on September 8th to help Food Lifeline end hunger in our communities! Which district can repack, sort and process the most food to fill the shelves of our local food banks? They need your help! Lend a hand on the sorting line at Food Lifeline’s Volunteer Action Center from 1:30-4 p.m. at 1702 NE 150th Street in Shoreline.

Sept. 9^th – Email your state lawmakers and let them know you believe everyone should have access to the food they need to reach their full potential.

Sept. 10^th – Help your kids have a lemonade stand or bake sale. Donate funds to Feed Washington.

Sept. 11^th – Color and share! Talk you’re your kids about the realities of childhood hunger for those less fortunate. Download this coloring page.

Sept. 12^th – Set an empty plate at your table.  For your next family dinner (or for a week of family dinners), set an extra place at your table – and leave the plate empty. Let this be a reminder to everyone at the table that while you are fortunate to have the food you need, there are those going hungry and those who are at risk for hunger, and now is the time to take action and help others fill their empty plates.

Sept. 13^th – Register for the Hunger Walk – Sunday, October 2, 1 p.m., starts at the Alki U.C.C. and continues along the water on Alki Beach.

Sept. 14^th – Give a little during Hunger Action Month! For every $1 donated 1.5 meals are generated for hungry kids in Washington.

Sept. 15^th – Read a book about hunger to your children. Some great books are: A Kids’ Guide to Hunger & Homelessness: How to Take Action! by Cathryn Berger Kaye; Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen (Reading Rainbow Book) by Dyanne Disalvo-Ryan; Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier;  The Peace Book by Todd Parr and Stone Soup by Marcia Brow

Sept. 16^th – Give up an “indulgence” and donate what you would have spent to Feed Washington.

Sept. 17^th – Host a different kind of “food fight.” Throw a party and challenge friends to build a structure of cans they furnish, and then give prizes for the “Tallest Tower,” “Most Creative,” etc. Donate the cans to a local food bank.

Sept. 18^th – Volunteer with your family at a local food bank.

Sept. 19^th – See if your employer will match employee donations to Feed Washington for Hunger Action Month.

Sept. 20^th – Tell your friends about Feed Washington! Like and Share our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/FeedWashington.

Sept. 21^st – Pick up some blank t-shirts, and some iron-on letters, fabric paint or other decorative materials. Use these to design your own T-shirt with facts about hunger, such as “Hunger is a reality for nearly 1 in 4 American children” or “September is Hunger Action Month” or “30 Ways in 30 Days: Fight Hunger this September.” Wear your shirts with pride to promote Hunger Action Month!

Sept. 22^nd – “Like” Feed Washington and post a comment on our Facebook page.

Sept. 23^rd – Sign up to be a monthly donor at Feed Washington!

Sept. 24^th – Mayor’s Day of Concern For the Hungry – Saturday, September 24, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at the Metropolitan Market on Admiral Way. Please come support feeding your hungry neighbors in need by stopping by and donating food or funds to the West Seattle Bank. Our volunteers will be at Metropolitan market throughout the day taking donations and raising awareness about hunger in our community.

Sept. 25^th – Organize a food drive at your office to donate to a local food bank

Sept. 26^th – Volunteer at a local food kitchen.

Sept. 27^th – Ask your favorite restaurant if they would donate a part of one day’s sales to Feed Washington.

Sept. 28^th – Visit select Panera Bread stores in Western Washington and donate to Food Lifeline. As a part of “Operation Dough-Nation” Panera will match 10¢ of every $1 donated.

Sept. 29^th – Open a “Feel Good Checking” Bank Account with Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union. SMCU donates $20 to Food Lifeline for each account opened, which is enough to provide food for 60 meals.

Sept. 30^th – Participate in Dress Down Hunger – Food Lifeline’s Fundraiser in the Warehouse.