Dine Out For No Kid Hungry At La Madeleine Cafe #Giveaway

Stepping inside the Annapolis mall, I’m drawn to the pastry counter at the entrance of la Madeleine Country French Cafe. But I can only look; there are no gluten-free treats here. That’s okay, though, because I’m here to meet with Stephanie Miller, director of marketing for la Madeleine.

Inside, I forget I’m at a mall; the decor is cozy with an inviting fireplace as the centerpiece of the restaurant. The dark woods and faux brick create a rustic and quaint look. I could easily sit here with an espresso and write for hours.

Stephanie and I sit at a table and sip raspberry ice tea while she shares the la Madeleine story with me. She tells me about Chef Patrick and his passion for the French countryside and his mission to bring the flavors of that region to America.

And then she tells me about No Kid Hungry, the Share Our Strength national campaign to end childhood hunger.

September is No Kid Hungry Month and, this year, la Madeleine has pledged $200,000 to the campaign. With just a $1 donation, la Madeleine guests receive a free cookie. With a $5 donation, guests receive a coupon book for many of their favorite la Madeleine menu items like their signature tomato soupe and fresh baked bread.

Just $1 can help feed a child 10 nutritious meals.

la Madeleine tomato soupe

la Madeleine’s signature tomato soupe and fresh baked bread.

Fast forward to last week and I’m clicking through documentaries on Netflix. I discover A PLACE AT THE TABLE starring Jeff Bridges, which, coincidentally, is presented in partnership with No Kid Hungry. The film is about the food insecure in the United States, the families who cannot afford to put healthy food  — or any food at all — on the table. They are the working poor. They don’t qualify for food stamps but don’t make enough money to provide consistent, nutritious meals for their children.

And their children are hungry.

Rosie in A PLACE AT THE TABLE, courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.

Rosie in A PLACE AT THE TABLE, a Magnolia Pictures release. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.

The food insecure don’t have a lot of choices when it comes to what they can afford to feed their families. I can’t imagine how much harder it is for families also dealing with food allergies. Many inexpensive foods are processed and made with one or more of the top eight food allergens.

So, how can you and I help? We can take the No Kid Hungry pledge and dine out at a participating restaurant this month.

If money is tight in your house as it is in mine, I have a solution. I’m giving away two $10 gift cards to la Madeleine. They have locations in Maryland and Virginia, plus Georgia, Oklahoma, Louisiana and their home state of Texas.

The giveaway is open through 11:59 p.m. on September 19, 2013. I will contact the winners by email and mail out the gift cards by September 21. My hope is that the winners will use their gift card to la Madeleine by September 30 and donate a dollar, or five, to the No Kid Hungry campaign. Simply enter the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received the la Madeleine gift cards for free as a member of the press. This giveaway is void where prohibited.

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Comments

  1. Please keep and spend on your wonderful self. Or give back too La Madeleine. Sent you an email as well. Kim

  2. Yay! Selfishly, I’m keeping mine. BUT will definitely give to the #nokidhungry cause! Thanks Shannon!
    Liza | (a)Musing Foodie recently posted..My Fox Baltimore TV Appearance for the Food Lion Cook-Off WinMy Profile

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