Next week, on May 9 and May 12 during the budget mark-up process and again on May 24 (the first vote on the budget!) at the John A. Wilson building, Susie Cambria, Mayor Vince Gray, us here at Grey in the Dark, and the Student Leadership Association of Academy of Hope among others are co-sponsoring The Great American Bake Sale.
This project is two-fold. Firstly, it is an opportunity to raise money for Share Our Strength's Great American Bake Sale. All proceeds go to fight childhood hunger. Last year, bake sales raised more than $1 million for the cause.
Secondly, as we are having it in the Wilson building during budget review and voting, we hope to have the opportunity to speak with officials about our budget issues and where they are making cuts.
I encourage anyone who is passionate about either ending childhood hunger or about one of the social services on the chopping block in DC's proposed 2012 budget (or both!) to come out and support. One could do so by donating baked goods, manning a table during the day at the Wilson building, or advertising with flyers, blogs, etc.
This is a great opportunity for community involvement, and to directly help those in need. As a people, we need to look out for those around us. Big businesses and social services can't do it all. SNAP benefits exclude many, and often don't provide enough for large families. Healthy, nutritious food is not accessible to all. (Anyone see DCist's post about the new Food Desert Locator? There are huge sections of DC that don't have grocery stores anywhere in site.) And childhood hunger is an epidemic--1 in 4 children go hungry. Imagine what that does for their health, their education and their focus. Children that are concerned about when they will eat next don't have enough time to worry about their classes and grades. SOS believes that children will thrive with proper nutrition. Join in their mission next week with the bake sale at the Wilson Building and come support your cause as well as the budget reviewing begins.
--Megan
Megan -- thanks so much for spreading the word and pitching in. Can't wait to see everyone on the 9th -- be sure to bring some money with you to the BSA hearing.
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