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I can hardly contain my excitement! I am inspired to get my family and students fired up to use food and cooking for the greater good.

My sister has been volunteering for Share Our Strength, a national organization that weaves together a net of community groups, activists and food programs to make sure no kids in America grows up hungry. Her enthusiasm piqued my interest and when I visited their website, I couldn’t help but get inspired, myself!

Here is what usually happens in my head - When I see an organization, such as Share Our Strength, that is doing such good work, I wonder what steps I might be able to do with my family or students to contribute to the cause. Usually, I have to don my teacher hat and design some curriculum that would allow us to cook some delicious recipes AND help someone at the same time. But this time, I was spared the effort of lesson planning!

The Great American Bake Sale is an annual event, sponsored by Share Our Strength, that mobilizes Americans to end childhood hunger by holding bake sales in their communities. Wait - I think I should clarify something here. Yes, I do realize that my cooking classes focus on healthy and seasonal foods. And yes, I also realize that most of the time baking isn’t the most healthy endeavor. BUT, pair a community building activity (like baking) with a cause (like ending childhood hunger) and you have a recipe for success (even if it there is a little extra butter and sugar thrown in!)

The funds raised from Great American Bake Sales have allowed more than 5.3 million meals to be served to low-income children nationwide. Proceeds also fund grants that promote access to after-school and summer feeding programs, as well as nutrition education programs for at-risk youth.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I can pass this one up. Are you with me? To register or to learn more about Share our Strength or the Great American Bake Sale, please visit their website.

Please let me know if you have participated before and if you have any tips to share.

If you would like to make a financial contribution towards our goal, please do so by visiting the What’s Cooking Bake Sale team page on the Share Our Strength website.