As we enter into the second half of Whole Grains Month, we are so pleased to announce what a great success our “Good Grains for a Good Cause” project has been so far. But it’s not over yet, so if you haven’t entered your favorite charity, do so today! 

For those of you who haven’t heard about our Whole Grains Month celebration, here’s how it works: we asked our Whole Grains Council friends to nominate their favorite food focused charity by telling us what makes that organization special. We will select a winner at random who will receive cases of donated whole grain food product from Whole Grains Council members.

Since the promotion launched on August 15, we have received over 300 nominations for 81 organizations in 34 states. The stories we have heard have been heart warming and have really showed us how hard these organizations work and how much their communities appreciate them. Without naming any specific organizations (we love ‘em all!), we’d like to share some of the caring words in some of these entries, in hopes that you’ll be inspired to donate to your local food pantry or shelter: 

• The work they do for the impoverished of [City] is tremendous. They also manage to help so many for so little. They deserve the recognition and the help! 

• The need is so great that even with all donations from the citizens and organizations they cannot keep up with all the needs of our people. SO MANY CHILDREN!!This organization has done so much with so little that it breaks my heart. … Please they need all and any help they can get. I ask from the bottom of my heart.

• They helped me and my children in the flood. They helped me ever since for food and different programs. They help with bread on Wednesday. They are very friendly and caring.

• I am a girl scout leader and my troop goes to the food bank to help out and we have seen first hand the shortage of food we have to offer people in need. 

• We don’t merely bag up goods and hand them out, we allow people a choice of what goes into their bags, making it more like a trip to the supermarket, rather than receiving of handouts. I think this provides the clients with a sense of pride.

• They are there when you have no hope. They have helped so many people, their shelves are empty much of the time. They do so much with so little.

It truly is amazing how much these charities touch people’s lives. While this has been a humbling experience, it has been so encouraging hearing from people all over the country and from all walks of life – especially those who actively volunteer or who have personally benefitted from the services of these organizations.

We are so excited that Good Grains for a Good Cause is reaching far and wide and we encourage you to keep on nominating! According to the USDA, 14.5% of US households were food insecure in 2012 and 5.7% of that group are faced with extreme food insecurity. That’s 49 million people! YOU can help change that number by nominating  and supporting your local food pantry during Whole Grains Month (and every month!). Spread the word; while we will choose our winner with a random drawing, the more nominations your charity of choice gets, the better chance it has at winning the donated whole grain products. (Mallory)