Thanksgiving: A Time to Fight Hunger at Home and Abroad

In 1946, Thanksgiving was celebrated in a war-torn Germany. American soldiers shared a meal with German children, who were amazed by the food. Oranges, a rare treat, were clutched tightly by the kids as they left. This moment showed the power of sharing food with those in need. The following year, 1947, saw a massive effort to fight hunger. Americans collected food and money for the Friendship Train, which traveled across the country gathering donations. The response was so overwhelming that more train cars were needed to hold all the contributions. This initiative was part of a larger plan to help Europe recover from the devastation of World War II. Thanksgiving also inspired other acts of kindness. People invited "silent guests" to their tables and sent CARE packages overseas. These efforts supported the Marshall Plan, which aimed to rebuild Europe. As George Marshall noted, food is essential for recovery. Today, hunger is still a major issue. Food prices are high, and food banks are struggling to meet the demand. Wars have led to famine in places like Sudan and Gaza. Countries like Ethiopia, Haiti, and Yemen are also facing severe food shortages. The UN World Food Program reports that over 318 million people will face crisis levels of hunger next year, which is more than double the number in 2019. This Thanksgiving, we can make a difference. Donating to food banks and charities like the World Food Program, UNICEF, and Mary's Meals can help. We can also urge our leaders to support food aid programs. Every effort counts in the fight against hunger.