As we look forward to stuffing our bellies in the company of family and friends this holiday season, it’s a nice thing to set aside a bit of time to remember the many that are less fortunate, particularly as the economy continues to be sluggish. It’s been reported that 1 in 7 American households were “food insecure,” meaning that at some point in the year, they struggled to put food on the table for their family.

Consider donating some time this week. Then when you’re ready to give gifts down the road, consider making a donation on the behalf of a family member to their community’s food bank. Your donation can mean a lot, particularly if the recipient’s city or region has been hit harder in the economic downturn.