Updated November 2023
As we roast the turkey, prepare to make the cranberry sauce, and take a break from work, we're reminded that not everyone has the luxury of a delicious meal in the comfort of a warm home. We always look for ways to be thankful and help others during the holidays.
The reality of our world now makes even the simplest things we were used to far more complex. Whether in person or via video conference, relax, slow down, and have fun together.
Enjoy a great meal
We are fortunate to be able to gather with old and new friends in Portugal. We still love celebrating Thanksgiving and taking time to be thankful for all the blessings in our lives.
We will also connect with our friends around the world and say thank you to them for their friendship and continued support. Together, we'll be looking through old photos of Thanksgiving celebrations gone by, from when we had cheeseburgers at the Hard Rock Cafe in Cancun to when Diana cooked for her family and friends at our home in Chicago. I don't even remember how many people there were, but I can still feel the love, happiness, and delicious food that day and it makes my heart feel lighter.
We will remember those who were unable to attend our table this year. As we mourn for them, we will honor their memories, knowing that each one was a blessing to us all.
it's bigger than us
We tell people that the reason we started Food Travelist is to create peace on Earth. We believe that bringing people together around a table of delicious food helps them see each other as people with the same wants and needs, highlighting their commonalities rather than often focusing on their differences. For that to happen, we need to have food on people's tables.
Each year we choose a number of charities to focus our donations on. Typically, these are organizations that focus on providing food to people. This year, more than ever, it's important that we help feed people around the world.
If possible, I hope you all do the same. While you take time to be grateful for all the abundance in your life this year, take a moment to help those in need. It's been a tough year, especially for all of our friends in the food and travel business. Even a small donation will make a big difference in someone's life.
helping others
Here are a few charities you can explore and consider donating to:
World Central Kitchen
The project of chef José Andrés and his wife Patricia has fed people all over the world. Go to areas affected by hurricanes, floods, disease, and war. They did more and fed more people than the government of the country. They also work with local farmers and food purveyors to help them restart their businesses and teach them skills to be successful in the long term.
world food program
The U.N. agency won the Nobel Peace Prize in October for helping end world hunger during the coronavirus pandemic. Serving 138 million meals to hungry people around the world in more than 80 countries, they have been fighting hunger and feeding people since 1962.
hyper international
We have been supporters of Heifer for many years. We love the idea of providing resources to end hunger and poverty through sustainable programs that support and invest in local farmers and communities.
Feed America
This Thanksgiving, more American families will visit food banks than ever before. Feeding America provides food to Americans in need through a national network of food banks working to end hunger in America. The latest research shows that more than 50 million people, including potentially 17 million children, could experience food insecurity in 2020, reflecting the increased demand for food due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Greater Chicago Food Depository
When we lived in Chicago, we supported GCFD by donating food and working at the facility sorting everything that came in. They work with more than 700 partners throughout Cook County to support food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and more. They have been serving Chicagoland for over 40 years.
Food for Hunger
This food bank is based in Portugal. This website makes it easy to donate to specific cities or regions in Portugal. You can also choose what type of food you want to donate: tuna, sausage, olive oil, milk, rice, etc.
These are actually just a few of the organizations you can contact. Please help us feed those in need this season and all year long. We hope you find meaningful ways to help others throughout the year.
I hope you have a fun and happy holiday with your family. We are truly grateful to have you as part of the Food Travelist family.
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