People do not ordinarily think of grocery stores coming to the aid of hungry Americans, but in many instances they do. Take Stop and Shop for example: At this point in time each store is raising money to help feed America's poor. Their program is called: "Food for Friends" At your checkout aisle, you can purchase a donation card for $1, $3 or $5. All donations will be donated to local hunger relief efforts. This program ends December 3rd, 2009 and Stop and Shop hopes to raise $1 million dollars.

But, your participation need not end on December 3rd, since Stop and Shop holds great sales from week-to-week.

In this week's Stop and Shop's circular, one can purchase 10 cans of Campbell's cream soups (chicken or mushroom) for $10 dollars using one's Stop and Shop card. Think of donating half of those cans to your local food shelters.

One can also purchase 2 Stop and Shop grated cheese 8 ounce canisters for $5 dollars. Donate the other one.

Not a fan of oatmeal? Well it is a great start to the day for starving children growing up in this country. This week, one can purchase 2 boxes of Stop and Shop instant oatmeal for $4 dollars. All varieties are included in this sale. Why not pick up 2 boxes for your local food shelter or more?

If you love Arnold's wide pan breads or Thomas's English muffins, this week it is buy one get one free. Why not donate the free one to your local food shelter?

As you will see in your Stop and Shop circular: One can purchase 10 Pillsbury cake mixes or brownie mixes for $10 dollars using your Stop and Shop card. Think of donating some to America's hungry. They love sweets too.

Before the plight of the starving within this country came into focus; I thought why would anyone buy 10 cans of soup or 10 boxes of cake mix? Perhaps hunger being the focus now, one can share their bounty as they food shop.

If you do not have a Stop and Shop near you, please look at your store's circular to see how you too can help feed America.

Author's email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net