Charity Gift Guide

Want to give a gift that counts as a tax write-off? Sick of seeing Old Navy commercials and glossy DeBeers ads? Just because nonprofits can’t buy ad spaces in major magazines or prime-time commercial slots doesn’t mean you can’t throw your money at them this holiday season, too.

I know, I know – if your mailbox looks anything like mine these days, charity solicitations are coming in by the bundle. All the papery mess can get overwhelming. How many organizations do people expect me to give to, anyway? And which ones do I feel most strongly about? It’s been all too easy for me in years past to solve the frustration with a simple, Scroogelike answer: None. But that’s just terrific, isn’t it? The earth is exploding with hungry people and the oceans are eating up shorelines and villages, and I’m going, man, I have to bring down the paper recycling again??

I have a better solution this year: Giving in to giving. So below, I’ve compiled a short list of various food-related charitable organizations that I personally found interesting. I hope you do, too. It includes some of the longstanding institutions as well as newer or lesser-known community-based groups in different parts of the country. After reading, please feel free to leave a comment suggesting another charity that I’ve left out. I realize this scant selection does little to justify the vast universe of worthy nonprofits that could use your support. A great resource for finding more charities to donate to is CharityNavigator.org. (Big plus: there you can also find out how to stop getting snail mail solicitations and just give – electronically, of course!)

Action Against Hunger – USA, New York, NY
An international organization combating hunger as well as emergency situations due to war or natural disaster. With programs in more than 40 countries, your money to them will go places you can’t.

City Harvest, New York, NY
The world’s first food rescue organization, City Harvest’s mission is to provide the 1.6 million New Yorkers living in poverty with healthy food that would otherwise go to waste. Filling stomachs rather than landfills, the busy organization rescues 57,000 pounds of food each day.

America’s Second Harvest, Chicago, IL
The nation’s largest charitable hunger-relief organization, supporting a network of 200 member food banks and food-rescue organizations throughout the US. Operating on a bigger scale than City Harvest, this nationwide service receives food and financial donations from individuals and companies (rather than reclaiming unwanted food), then distributes them to local agencies.

Farn Aid, Somerville, MA
Whatever you may think of our government’s subsidized farm program, the family farm is on the endangered species list. Farm Aid has been by their sides since 1985, helping them stay in business through grants, pushing The Good Food Movement, and of course, holding an annual rock show.

World Hunger Year, New York, NY
There’s world hunger every year, right? WHY engages the community in tackling hunger and poverty as well as economic justice and equal access to nutritious foods. Their innovative solutions throughout the years have involved the likes of artists and musicians.

Bread for the World Institute, Washington, DC
Be better informed and aware about world hunger problems and you will be better able to create solutions for them, BFWI has been saying since 1974. The Institute provides policy analysis towards solving the root causes of hunger and poverty worldwide.

Pesticide Action Network North America, San Francisco, CA
Help mobilize campaigns targeting harmful pesticides in the foods you eat by donating to this reliable charity. One of five international branches, PANNA needs all the help it can get as environmentally-unsound chemicals continue to be used, unchecked, eventually finding their way to the produce aisle.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Washington DC
More so than ever, fish need our help. This well-rated environmental organization not only aims to conserve healthy populations of fish, which leads to sustainable biodiversity, but benefits conservation education, so that the next time you’re at the market, you won’t be as clueless as I was and buy the (overfished!) swordfish.

Center for Food Safety, Washington, DC
Sounds like what it is. In addition to curbing harmful food production methods (like genetically engineered animals), they promote sustainable – and healthier — agricultural practices. (Sorry, they have little to do with imported food inspections, so don’t go asking why they didn’t catch tainted pet food!)

Small Planet Fund, Cambridge, MA
Founded by Frances Moore Lappé and Anna Lappé (co-author of Grub), this citizen-supported charity targets world hunger, poverty and environmental devastation. Giving to eight core grantees, its mission lies in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and providing access to safe and healthy foods.

The Food Project, Lincoln, MA
Placing urban teens and other volunteers in rural farms for hands-on education about sustainable agriculture. Fun!

Meals-on-Wheels Services: The three following community-operated organizations offer a little more service than your typical Meals-on-Wheels branch, often providing elder assistance, enrichment and other resources.

Loaves & Fishes Centers
A faith-based network of meals-on-wheels organizations since 1982.

Mama’s Kitchen, San Diego, CA
This nonprofit focuses on providing healthy meals to children and adults affected by AIDS and other critical illnesses.

Meals on Wheels and More, Austin, TX
If you’re in the greater Austin area, you’re in luck as this nonprofit helps feed the needy while engaging the public with special programs and events.

If you want to give to nonprofits in your community, but are still unsure about who, leave your money in the hands of charity experts at your local community trust. Organizations like New York Community Trust, The Seattle Foundation, and The San Francisco Foundation are reliable banks that put your donations to work within your city’s nonprofits. Also, check out another great list of charitable organizations that Culinate is supporting this year.