You’re Invited! Join us at the Pancake Party With a Purpose.

Dear Diary,

What did you eat for breakfast this morning? My family grabbed a quick bite in Manhattan on our way to our cruise ship terminal. When we arrived, we sat down for a snack in the pier’s café. My 13-year-old nephew listed all the food he planned to devour throughout the week and shared that the crew delivered pizza anywhere on board just by dialing a number. Before we took a bite, we recited a prayer, giving thanks to God for blessing us abundantly.

Unfortunately, not all families can afford to take vacations each year let alone purchase the food they need to sustain them. According to No Kid Hungry, one in five children in the U.S. don’t get the food they need. This takes a terrible toll on their health and development, and threatens their futures in profound ways. It also drags down our nation’s economy by perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

• 16 million kids in the United States struggle with hunger.
• The average monthly SNAP benefit is $1.46 per meal. Nearly half of SNAP recipients are children.
• Three out of four teachers say their students regularly come to school hungry.

That’s why I’m raising awareness about food access issues this September—Hunger Awareness Month. I’m also raising money. On Sunday, September 27, I’m partnering with Denny’s Restaurants and hosting a Pancakes for a Purpose Party. We’ll eat good food in good company and learn about the hungry problem plaguing the Pittsburgh area. We’ll also hear from experts addressing the issue and learn how to use social media for social good. Plus, we’ll have plenty of prizes, like gift cards, movies and other cool swag.

What: Pancake Party With a Purpose

When:  Sunday, September 27, 2015 @ 9 a.m.

Where: Denny’s Restaurant, 2791 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 (Waterworks Mall)

Why: To ensure that there’s No Kid Hungry in Pittsburgh

If you’re not in the Pittsburgh area, you can still support our cause. Click here to make a contribution to the Diary of a First Time Mom page. I’m joining other Denny’s mom blogger ambassadors and hoping to raise at least $500. But of course, you can contribute an amount that fits your family’s budget. One dollar feeds a child up to 10 meals!

Disclosure: Diary of a First Time Mom is teaming up with Denny’s Restaurants and No Kid Hungry to raise awareness about childhood hunger. Although some form of compensation is received to perform blogger ambassador duties, the fundraiser event is a volunteer activity. #DennysDiners