beyond the kitchen

I used to hate watching movies like Good Will Hunting because it made me sad to see such poverty. I couldn't handle thinking about people who truly live in such sad situations. Although it's not gotten easier to watch it as I've gotten older, it helps to focus instead on the positive things other people are doing, and ways to help.

It's relatively easy to find ways to give to those who need food and water. From volunteering in soup kitchens to giving food to those on the street, any way that you can give locally will immediately impact your community.

Outside your city, there are many charities focused on providing for those in poverty. Below are three highly reputable charities that offer food and water. If you're like me and have a hard time setting aside an entire Saturday to volunteer somewhere, these organizations are a great outlet.

Feeding America: It's so important to give globally, but it's also essential to focus on those in need in the United States. This organization gave food to more than 37 million people in 2010. They offer ways to donate monetarily, volunteer time and to act as a local advocate.

Heifer International: This organization aims to teach families how to provide for themselves, as opposed to just giving them food, by providing livestock and training. After learning how to expand their livestock, each family agrees to give one of their animals to another family in need - thus constantly working to end the cycle.

Charity Water: This organization works to bring clean drinking water to those who do not have access to it by building wells. From volunteering in New York to raising money for schools, there are so many ways to get involved.

If you know of any other great ways to give food to those in need, please share as a comment. The most effective tool is to spread the word.

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