An idea hatched on a couch last night is quickly going viral.
The group Feeding Equality is less than 24 hours old, but it's already gaining momentum and pledges to help feed the needy from all over the United States and from countries such as Japan, the Netherlands, Canada and France.
The group's mission?
Opponents of marriage equality bought THEMSELVES chicken sandwiches and waffle fries in their "defense" of "traditional marriage". As an act of solidarity for the support of civil liberties and equality, instead of feeding hate, let's feed those in need. Join us on Saturday, August 25th by donating to your local food banks.
Founder Ed Hanratty says that he started the Facebook event Thursday night, not knowing what would come of it. He said on the group's Facebook page, "What began as a 'hey what if?' on my couch last night has grown into an organic show of humanity that's reached around the globe."
The date is set for August 25th to allow the group enough time to really spread the word, organize and show a jump in donations on the date to "hopefully make enough of a spike in donations on one day that attention is brought to who we are and why we're doing this."
Hanratty says it's not important if every food bank knows why the donations are made, but those who wish to make a statement can identify donations as part of the movement Feeding Equality. He wrote on the Facebook group:
A few people have asked questions regarding "How will they (the food banks) know it's from us?" It's a great question and let me preface this by saying first and foremost, it doesn't matter if they do, what matters is that those in need get the help you can provide in a manner in which you're comfortable. However, if you would like to band together, I would recommend that with, or on your donation, you mention "Feed Equality" or use the hashtag #FeedEquality. If the recipient asks you, feel free to describe this organic group in any way you wish. I understand many shelters and banks may be religiously affiliated, and you may not be comfortable explaining your beliefs to them - again, it's all about those in need - we don't need to pontificate or stand on a soap box.
Hanratty is quick to point out that this isn't to counter Chik-Fil-A, but rather to do something good. He says:
It doesn't counter the madness as much as it juxtaposes it. We're not going to change the minds of most people who waited on line for an hour to support CFA buy dropping $7 for a pretty bad sandwich, knowing that a portion of that was going to fund anti-equality measures. Instead, in the name of equality, we're choosing to use our resources to feed hunger.
Cash donations have already been made to food banks in honor of the cause, and hundreds of Facebook members have pledged to take part (and counting). Hanratty said that he was aiming for 500 members by Saturday and 1,000 by Monday, but it looks like the group might easily surpass those goals. By Friday afternoon, they were already at 522 members.
Want to take part? Head to Feeding Equality on Facebook or just make a donation of food or cash in the name of Feeding Equality. Remember that many food banks will also happily accept garden produce.
You can find your local food banks here.
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