This holiday season, give meaningful gifts that make a difference in the fight against hunger, poverty and social injustice. We’ve compiled our annual WhyHunger Holiday Gift Guide, a collection of 15 unique, staff favorites that support the work of WhyHunger, our valued partners and other charitable organizations or companies that are making a positive impact on the issues we care about. There’s something for everyone, happy gift giving!
Fair Food T-Shirt
The Coalition of Immokalee Workers is a worker-based human rights organization built upon foundations of farmworker community organizing. They are known widely for the Fair Food Program, a partnership between farmworkers and large retail buyers, which promotes fair labor practices on all levels of the production and consumption chain. Support this incredible work by purchasing a Fair Food T-shirt, available online for $26.49 in a variety of sizes, colors and cuts for both men and women. Get it here.
A Foodie’s Guide to Capitalism
Calling all foodies! In a new book, A Foodies Guide to Capitalism, Eric Holt-Giménez dives deep into the environmental, economic, political and social aspects that shape our capitalistic global food system. Everyone who wants to end hunger, who wants to eat good, clean, healthy food, needs to understand capitalism. This book is a must-read! It is sold for $25 by Food First, a network of activist-scholars working to end the injustices that cause hunger. Get it here.
Greyston Bakery Wicker Gift Basket
What better gift for the holidays than some delicious and festive treats? Greyston Bakery, a pioneering social enterprise that provides jobs to those who face barriers to employment, has packages of their signature brownies displayed in gorgeous wicker baskets. For donations of either $70 or $40, you and your friends and family can enjoy this beautiful brownie array! Purchase here.
2017 Hungerthon Tee
This holiday season, give a gift that gives back and celebrate Hungerthon 2017 with our signature line of gifts! This lightweight unisex shirt is a soft heather midnight navy with our WhyHunger logo and Hungerthon mission printed in tan. Donations of $50 will come with this year’s official tee, and will support WhyHunger in the fight to end hunger in America. Get it here.
Brave Collection Women’s Bracelet
Handmade in Cambodia, the Brave Collection seeks to celebrate and empower women in Cambodia and around the world. Each beautiful bracelet is sold for $38, and comes decorated with the word “Klahan”, meaning “Brave” in Khmer, the native language of Cambodia. The company aims to provide job opportunities to women, in addition to donating a portion of proceeds to organizations working against child trafficking. Get it here.
Beelove Spa Collection
All Beelove products are produced by men and women returning from incarceration, providing skills and confidence to re-enter the workforce. These all natural cosmetics are a hit all year round, but with this festive gift package you can give the gift of holiday pampering! At $59, the collection is complete with body cream, signature scented perfume, and exfoliator, all wrapped in an eco-friendly mailer that can be recycled, reused, or composted. Get it here.
Mr. Tanner, Children’s Book
Written by singer songwriter and co-founder of WhyHunger Harry Chapin, Mr. Tanner is a visual adaptation of a classic children’s song. With illustrations by Bryan Landgo, this important tale comes to life. This book is on sale for $17 and a portion of proceeds will help support WhyHunger and the fight to end hunger in America. Get it here.
Berkshire Berries Jams, Honeys and more
Although these tasty honeys and jams are originally from the Massachusetts Berkshires, owner David Graves saves some of his bees for NYC. Operating off of various rooftops throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and The Bronx, this local company has the perfect gift for all your sweethearts this holiday season. With a variety of honeys and jams ranging from $5 and up, there’s something here for everyone on your list! Order online here, at the Union Square Greenmarket on Mondays and Wednesdays, or other markets throughout the week.
Join The RevolOcean Ornaments
Handmade and individually painted, these ornaments are the perfect gift for everyone on your list. With a minimum donation of $20, you’ll support the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance (NAMA) in their movement toward a healthy ocean, a just seafood system, and community-based fisheries. Get it here.
Grassroots International Canvas Tote Bag
Grassroots International is a global organization working to connect people in the US with movements around the world who are solving the root issues of inequality and climate change. This canvas tote is on sale individually for $10, or you can get the bag free as a gift by joining the Seeds of Change monthly giving club with a donation of $10 or more! Get it here
Subscription to Civil Eats
This year, give the gift of reading and sign up for a one year subscription to Civil Eats! Civil Eats is an online daily news service, publishing stories that aim to change the conversation around sustainable food and agriculture to create a more socially and economically just world. For $25, you will have unlimited access to all online content. Subscribe here.
Bruce Springsteen ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ Hat
Honor rock legend Bruce Springsteen and support WhyHunger with this signature ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ hat! The hat comes with embroidery on the front, as well as Bruce’s embroidered signature and the WhyHunger logo. They are available with a gift of $40 to Hungerthon, and all donations will go to support WhyHunger’s work to end hunger in America! Get it here.
Prophets of Rage Resistance Party Pack
This revolutionary band brings together the best of the musical resistance with songs and messages written for change. This holiday season, help to ‘Make America Rage Again’ by purchasing the Prophets of Rage Resistance Party Pack. Sold for $50 each, the package comes with a “Prophets of Rage” CD, Limited Edition 11×17 poster, T-shirt, Set of 4 Postcards, 4-Button Pin Set, and a Letter from the band! A portion of proceeds will go to WhyHunger and the annual Hungerthon campaign. Get it here.
Northwest Harvest Special Occasion Cards
If you’re looking for a more personalized way to give back for the holidays, Northwest Harvest has the perfect solution. With a suggested minimum of $5, these customizable cards can be mailed to your home or sent out on your behalf. Each donation is used to bring healthy meals to people across Washington State, bringing holiday hope to neighbors in need. Get it here.
Hungry Heart—Recipes to the Rescue
Join Bruce Springsteen fans from around the globe in sharing recipes and giving back. This book by Annette Dam and Candace Dawson is a collection of recipes, artwork, drawings, and anecdotes from Springsteen fans with all proceeds benefitting WhyHunger. On sale for $38.50, this gift is perfect for any rock and roll fan. Get it here.
Still not sure what to get? You can always make a donation in honor of your loved one to your favorite local community-based organization. The holidays are a time for giving and giving back – so no matter what is on your list this year, make sure to take some time to support and thank those folks in your community who are making a difference. Please share and use the comments section to add your favorite gifts that give back to the list.
