As we see the haunting pictures and read the horrific stories of the famine in East Africa, we feel an enormous need to help.

The Rice Dinner Project is a very effective means of offering aid. You simply eat a meal of only rice and send the money you saved by not eating a regular meal to the charitable organization of your choice.

The Star Tribune is publishing a list of reputable organizations that are taking donations to fight this crisis. The Rice Dinner Project does not impact your budget.

There are no administrative costs. Your donation goes directly to the charity of your choice. For more information, go to ricedinner.org.

RITA JUHL, MINNEAPOLIS