EatSmart fans will select each Charity of the Month in 2012. Fans will submit short stories about the charity’s mission and why it’s meaningful to them. We began our Charity of the Month donations in 2011. For November 2012, loyal EatSmart Fan, Abby Phon selected the Lower East Side Recovers. We will be donating 50 cents for every new Facebook LIKE during the month of November. (So spread the word!)

Read why Abby picked the Lower East Side Recovers: I am so very grateful to be safe and that my family and friends are all safe too. I live in the Lower East Side of NYC where Hurricane Sandy hit pretty hard. We still have no power and no water. Just blocks away is still under water too. MANY folks downtown still need assistance. Lower East side Recovers is a local organization that not only accepts greatly needed financial donations, but also has volunteer opportunities to help out if you prefer and live in the area. They also provide easy ways for you to ask for assistance if you are a local and need help. Since this organization is so new, it is not a 501(3)(c) yet. If you are looking for something tax deductible, I also included the links to the Mayor's Fund and Food Bank NYC if you are more comfortable giving to them. Either way, if you can, please donate. The big apple in lower Manhattan really needs your help. Thank you! I am also grateful that EatSmart Products has so graciously given me the opportunity to give back to my community and these worthwhile organizations by having them be their November charity of the month!"This is a recovery organizing site for New York's Lower East Side in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The site allows people to offer/request assistance, and is coordinated by the folks at Occupy NYC and community organizations on the ground."

Both food and cash can be donated to the Food Bank for New York City. They also need local volunteers. Cash donations can be made by texting FBNYC to 50555. About Abby: Abby is a Certified Holistic Health and Wellness Coach at Feed Your Mind Body Spirit. Abby is a regular contributor for the health & wellness site MindBodyGreen and Conscious Divas. Abby leads corporate workshops on nutrition and lifestyle, conducts food tours, cooking demonstrations and offers individual health and nutrition coaching around the world. She is also a certified Shiatsu practitioner, a licensed massage therapist, an AFAA nationally certified group fitness instructor, an IntenSati Leader and a certified Oneness Deeksha (spiritual) blessing giver. You can find her on Twitter @AbbyPhon and Facebook.

Click here to help donate:

If interested in submitting a charity for consideration, please email karen@eatsmartproducts.com. The donation amount will be capped at 500 new followers/likes.