With unemployment reaching the highest levels in 14 years, food banks across the country are reporting anywhere from a 15% to 55% increase in demand for their services as compared to this time a year ago. This increase in the number of people requiring assistance to put food on the table for their families – when combined with a decrease in those who are able to donate food – has created as great as a 75% short fall in the ability of American food banks to feed those in need.

Food banks, food pantries and soup kitchens always struggle to keep up with demand during the Holiday season, but this Thanksgiving will be especially bleak if we don't do something to pitch in.

Times are tough all over, but chances are that if you are reading this then someone else has it rougher than you. Now is the time to organize a food drive at your school, work, or church to help ensure happy Holidays for those hardest hit by our nation's economic crisis.

Here's what to do:

1. Contact the food bank, pantry, or soup kitchen closest to you. Get a sense of what their demand will be this Thanksgiving Holiday. Find out what foods they need the most. Then, find out what is the best time and day of the week for you to make a delivery.
2. Put a box out at your school, work, or church during the week of November 16^th through the 22^nd with a note requesting the foods that best meet the needs of the organization you are contributing it to.
3. Deliver the food on the agreed upon date and time.
4. Thank everyone who participated.
5. Spend Thanksgiving Day with a sense of gratitude for your friends, family, and the food on your plate.

Please pass this message along to your friends.  Let's spread this movement nationwide!