A Feast for the World: Thanksgiving's Hidden Legacy

Thanksgiving isn't just about turkey and pie. It's a day with a powerful history of helping others. After World War II, America showed this in a big way. In 1946, U. S. soldiers in Germany shared a Thanksgiving meal with local kids. These children were amazed by simple things like oranges, which were hard to find in post-war Germany. The next year, 1947, saw an incredible outpouring of generosity. Americans collected food for Europe through the Friendship Train. The response was so huge that they needed more trains to carry all the donations. People also invited "silent guests" to their Thanksgiving dinners and sent CARE packages overseas. This all helped support the Marshall Plan, which rebuilt Europe after the war. Food was key to recovery, as General George Marshall said. Today, hunger is still a big problem. Wars and high food prices have left many people struggling. The UN World Food Program says over 300 million people will face severe hunger next year. That's double the number from 2019. But funding is falling short, so only a third of those in need can get help. This Thanksgiving, we can make a difference. Donate to food banks or charities like the WFP, UNICEF, or Mary's Meals. Talk to your representatives about supporting food aid programs. Everyone can do something to help. Together, we can fight hunger and make this Thanksgiving meaningful for those in need.