My Single Bowl of Rice & Beans on Thanksgiving Day

Why I Eat a Single Bowl of Rice & Beans on Thanksgiving Day.

Like every year over the past decade, I’ll eat just one bowl of rice and beans this Thanksgiving. It’s my way of staying grounded and grateful—especially when many Americans struggle to afford Thanksgiving Day meals.

Importantly, I acknowledge my privilege of choosing a simple meal today, a privilege that many do not have on Thanksgiving. Hence, my choice.

Poverty in America

While I enjoy my modest meal on Thanksgiving Day, I will focus on the 34 million Americans facing food insecurity in the United States, 9 million of which are children. I will hold space in my heart for the 12% of impoverished Americans who struggle daily.

Global Hunger

On Thanksgiving Day, I’ll remember the 783 million people globally who go hungry and the thousands of people who die daily from malnutrition, 3.1 million of our fellow humans each year.

Amidst the holiday rush over Thanksgiving—Black Friday sales, indulgent feasts, and excess—I’ll sit down to this modest bowl of rice and beans and focus on all that I have in love and friendship while remembering the 3.5 billion people who rely on rice as a staple for their daily calories, many of whom can’t even depend on that.

Small Farmers

As I eat on Thanksgiving Day, I think of the small farmers worldwide, the backbone of our food system, struggling against corporate interests and unsustainable agricultural practices. Their plight reflects the more significant issues we face today—climate change, land degradation, and an increasing global population of 8 billion.

Food Waste

Sadly, we have enough food, but it needs to be better distributed, leaving many hungry when there’s plenty to go around. 1/3 of all food produced globally is wasted yearly. On Thanksgiving day in the United States, an estimated 200 million pounds of food will be tossed into the trash. I will finish my single bowl of rice and beans while remaining mindful of those who don’t have the same choices I have while others seek to have it all on Thanksgiving Day.

Focusing on the Giving at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving isn’t just about a feast. It’s about gratitude—for what we have and the actions we can take to help those in need. Today, I choose simplicity to honor the gifts bestowed and my responsibility to our planet and others.

As I have done each year, I have donated to the Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA). This non-profit organization provides food, shelter, and other essential services to families in crisis.

Take Action

Local food banks need help meeting demand. Help when and where you can.

If you are in a state other than Colorado, you can find your local food bank through Feeding America.

If you live in Colorado, support or donate to Hunger Free Colorado. You can also support local food banks, like Community Food Share, which serves Boulder and Broomfield Counties in Colorado.

Here’s to a mindful, loving, and grateful Thanksgiving Day.

Happy Thanksgiving

Matthew