This article was written by Danielle

Despite job losses, foreclosures and climbing interest rates, Americans surprisingly are focusing on what they have. In fact 43 percent of Americans are feeling more grateful than they were at this time last year, according to a recent nationwide survey commissioned by the Chinet® brand to support its Grateful Platefuls initiative to benefit Feeding America®.

• People are feeling more grateful this year. While two in five U.S. adults (43 percent) are feeling more grateful than compared with the same time last year, only a small percentage (11 percent) feel less grateful.
• Americans are expressing their gratitude. More than half of U.S. adults (51 percent) tell friends, family and colleagues they’re glad to have them in their life on a weekly basis. Nearly one quarter (24 percent) vocalize this sentiment daily. Only 10 percent never express their gratitude, with men being more likely to fall in this category (13 percent versus 6 percent of women).
• Gratitude spurs giving. Nine out of 10 adults (90 percent) said that feeling grateful inspires them to give to others. Seven out of 10 adults (69 percent) actually follow through on that feeling bydonating time and/or money. More than one-third (34 percent) donate both time and money because of feelings of gratitude.

Gratitude often takes center stage during the holidays — specifically when families are getting together to enjoy festive meals. However, one in eight people in this country are at risk of hunger and are uncertain of where their next meal is coming from.

To help address the nation’s hunger problem, the Chinet brand and Feeding America — the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity — are partnering with actress Marcia Cross to launch the Grateful Platefuls program. All are invited to join this online initiative at facebook.com/mychinet by simply sharing what they’re grateful for. And when they do, they’ll help activate a $100,000 donation — equaling 700,000 meals — from the Chinet brand to Feeding America.

“There is so much to be grateful for during the holidays and we need to recognize the opportunities we have to give to others,” said Cross. “I encourage people to visit the Grateful Platefuls page on Facebook and share their gratitude, because it only takes a few clicks of a mouse to make a real difference in the lives of people in need.”

Visitors can further customize their message by selecting the style of plate on which they’d like to serve up their gratitude. Each user also has the option to upload a photo to show what they’re grateful for.

Source: Chinet brand