We're so dad-gummed fortunate to be able to go to all these fabulous restaurants (in our own car, no less), order exquisite dishes, pair food with wines, chat up servers and chefs, leave tips and go to sleep at night with full bellies. When it comes to food, our worst problem is that sometimes our bellies are too full.

It's not like that for everyone. Some people go to bed hungry. Some of those people are children.

Today, September 20, 2009, is the first day of Share Our Strength's annual Great American Dine Out, a benefit that works to alleviate childhood hunger by raising money through participating restaurants. Those restaurants have agreed to donate a portion of their sales this week to the program, so when you eat out between now and September 26, you're helping to support school nutrition programs, community gardens, food pantries and increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables for the most vulnerable members of our society.

You can find participating restaurants through Share Our Strength's website, but some of the ones you might already be frequenting include Ted's Montana Grill, Marlow's Tavern and WaterHaven. Remember, you're not just eating for yourself anymore; you're eating for the children.