To the Editor:

We have an awful lot to be grateful for. Most of us went to bed last night in a clean, safe, comfortable environment after a nourishing meal. And most of us are digesting the morning paper along with a good cup of coffee or juice and a healthy breakfast. But did you know that 800 million people are going hungry right now, mostly children? Did you know that 50% of the world's children are severely underweight? Did you know that 15,000 children die every day from malnutrition? These are real numbers according to UNICEF "The State of the World's Children 2002". Among the consequences of malnutrition in children are infant mortality, growth stunting, anemia, decreased learning capacity and a weakened immune system.

Here are some comments from Lee Iacocca, former Chairman of Ford Motor and Chrysler Corporation. "There can be no greater cause than to save the life of a child and ensure that child's future in our global society. We all have a responsibility to get involved and make a difference...be a powerful force for good in the world by participating in the Nourish the Children initiative..." (Mr. Iacocca is currently Chairman of Nourish the Children initiative).

I encourage you to take action now - you CAN make a difference! We at Nourish the Children need your help. These kids need your help. To learn more, go to http://gbartlett1.MyNTCusa.com or call me directly, toll-free at 1-888-909-6187.

And please consider this: In the minute or so that you spent reading this letter, another 10 children died of malnutrition.

George Bartlett
Jacksonville, NC