I rarely go out for lunch.

In fact, most of my lunches are spent quickly eating a microwave meal in the break room and discussing the day’s events with coworkers. It is actually a bright spot in my day. I would imagine that this same scene is played out in workplace after workplace.

Since the devastating earthquake struck Japan earlier this month, I have read many reports and news bulletins about various shortages. Nothing in Japan is easy right now. Stable electricity is hard to find. Gasoline shortages abound. Even the simple dietary staple of noodles is in short supply. 

Cups of noodles remind me of college. These quick and inexpensive rations were perfect for a college student. They were cheap, portable, and filling. On average these cost about $1.00 each. And then it hit me, this was a tangible way that I could give to the response efforts in Japan and create a deeper awareness with those around me. Let’s call it the Noodle Challenge.

Basically, for one week I will commit to eat a cup of noodles each day for lunch. Typically a microwave meal costs around $4.00. A cup of noodles $1.00. The $3.00 differential per meal will be my donation to the Japan Response effort. So that means, in one week, one person will be able to donate from $15.00 to $21.00. What a simple way to make a difference and be a part of something much larger than ourselves. Try it in your breakroom.

To donate to the Japan Response efforts and start your own Noodle Challenge, click here.