The Face of Hunger it will Surprise You - Hunger Awareness Day 2007

Today June 5, America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network starts their Hunger Awareness Day 2007. The purpose of the event is to draw attention to issues and solutions to a serious and growing problem.

Now over 35 million people in the United States, including 12 million children are identified by the United States Department of Agriculture as being uncertain as to where they will find their next meal.

America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network is the largest charitable domestic hunger-relief organization in the country with a Network of more than 200 Member food banks and food-rescue organizations serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The America's Second Harvest Network secures and distributes more than 2 billion pounds of donated food and grocery products annually; and supports approximately 50,000 local charitable agencies operating more than 94,000 programs including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, after-school programs and Kids Cafes. Last year, the America's Second Harvest Network provided food assistance to more than 25 million hungry people in the United States, including 9 million children and 3 million seniors.

Tyson Foods, Inc plans to donate more than 600,000 pounds of protein over the next two weeks to 17 California food bank members of America's Second Harvest - the Nation's Food Bank Network.

You can help by purchasing an extra item or two on your next trip to the grocery store.

Needed Food Bank Items:
Peanut Butter Plastic or Cans
Fruit Canned
Fruits Dried (raisins, apricots, prunes)
Chili Canned
Rice Box or Bag
Pasta Products Spaghetti, Macaroni Noodles Dry
Pasta Products Canned
Pasta Sauces Canned or Dry
Meat Products Canned, Dried or in Pouches
Fish Products Canned, Dried or in Pouches
Soups Canned
Soups Dry (Ramen type and mixes)
Beans Canned
Beans Dry
Stews Canned
Stews Dry
Juices Canned
Milk Powdered
Milk Canned
Mixes Dry (Pancake, Bread, Cake, Cookie, Biscuit, Bisquick Mix, Muffin Cornbread)
Sugar Boxed
Vegetables Canned
Boxed Dinners (Macaroni and Cheese, Hamburger Helper Tuna Helper Rice-a-Roni etc.)
Cereals Cold Packaged
Cereals Hot Packaged
Cereal and Granola Bars
Soap Hand and Body
Soap Shampoos
Soap Laundry
Soap Dish
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Facial tissue
Napkins
Feminine Hygiene Products
Diapers Disposable
Toothpaste
Deodorant Personal
Household cleaning supplies
Baby Food
Baby Formula
Baby Products (diapers, baby wipes, powder, and lotion)
Cheese Spread
Nuts Canned or Packaged
Sauces/Salad Dressing
Puddings and custards
Tomato products (Paste, Sauce, Crushed etc.) Canned
Toothbrushes
Crackers and Cookies
Condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salad dressing
Razors Disposable
Coffee Instant and Ground

Read more: America's Second Harvest Network To find a food bank near you simply enter your zip code.