Many of us will have taken time this past Thursday to reflect on the people and things in our lives for which we are thankful. After a year full of crises and challenges, it is of healing importance to consider how we can work toward a more just and sustainable future.
Every year, on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, people around the globe take action on #GivingTuesday, a worldwide movement that harnesses the catalytic power of generosity to build dignity, opportunity, and equity. As an opportunity to be generous not just with your dollars or goods, but with your voice, talents, or time, it is a day to unite in celebration of generosity; to support the people, communities, and organizations that matter to you, in whatever way you can.
Just as gratitude is essential after a year that has taken so much, your generosity during this time could mean more than ever before. Here are a few thoughts and resources to help you plan your participation in #GivingTuesday:
Support Slow Food NYC
Slow Food NYC’s Urban Harvest program teaches kids about the relationship between good food and their wellbeing, community and planet. At the Urban Harvest Farm at Ujima in East New York, students learn about food deserts, food justice, nutrition, and gain hands-on experience with gardening and food preparation. They carry this knowledge with them to their families and communities. We also operate structured learning experiences for children through Urban Harvest in Schools during the academic year from September to June.
This year, the farm at Ujima additionally served as a hub for food production and distribution, a much needed resource during the pandemic. Donations to the Urban Harvest program have a direct impact that ranges from stocking a classroom pantry to providing an entire set of planters for continuing education and food production.
Learn more about our Urban Harvest program to see how your gift could make a difference and contribute here with a tax deductible, year-end donation. Interested to work with us directly? We are always seeking volunteers to support the work of our various committees and are also accepting applications for our volunteer-run board through Friday, December 18 at 6 p.m. EST.
Support restaurants directly
Restaurants across the country are in need of our support and several of our Snail of Approval partners are open for outdoor and limited indoor dining. Others offer gift cards, delivery, takeout, or merchandise as a way to help during this challenging time. Ordering through delivery or takeout provide the opportunity to tip generously—and where possible, be sure to order directly with the restaurant to help them avoid third-party fees.
Learn more about our Snail of Approval program and browse our interactive list of Snail of Approval partners in the New York City area.
Slow Food USA recently launched the National Resilience Fund to give direct financial support to vital businesses and workers in community-based food systems, through local Slow Food chapters and working groups. The third round of grants will focus on the hospitality industry—restaurants, chefs and others with priority on Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
Support Local Food Banks and Pantries
The pandemic and its economic consequences have exposed an even greater number of New Yorkers to food insecurity. Many food banks have suspended in-person volunteer operations, but there are still ways you can support them and help your neighbors in these challenging times.
The Food Bank for New York has created this page to help you find a way to make a positive impact for hungry New Yorkers from your home.
Hunter College compiled this page as a resource for finding ways to support the Food System during Covid-19.
6sqft has combined two sets of resources for finding food, as well as for identifying organizations in need of donations and volunteers.
Get creative with your generosity
COVID-19 is not the only crisis this year; systemic racism and climate change also highlight the urgent need to implement good, clean and fair food for all — and there are countless ways to get involved. For more ideas on how to exercise your generosity with your kindness, with your voice, with your talents, goods, dollars, or time, go to: https://hq.givingtuesday.org/#ideas
However you choose to participate, do it knowing that there are millions of others around the world giving in the same transformative spirit of generosity. People can show their generosity in a variety of ways during GivingTuesday—whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes, every act of generosity counts.
Written by James Mather, Slow Food NYC Volunteer