Yesterday marked the inaugural day of the sixth annual Menu for Hope, a food blogger-fueled fundraiser started by Pim Techamuanvivit (Chez Pim). This year, an international collection of food bloggers is donating raffle items to raise money for the World Food Programme's Purchase for Progress, which helps smallholder and low-income farmers supply food to WFP's global operations. For the past three years, they've raised nearly $250 thousand in support of the UN World Food Programme. A $10 donation buys a raffle ticket for any item of your choice. Matt Armendariz of Matt Bites is donating a two-day food styling & photography workshop at his Long Beach studio. David Lebovitz is offering two signed copies of his first cookbooks, “Room for Dessert” and “Ripe for Dessert,” which are now out of print. Other prizes include dinner with New York Times wine critic Eric Asimov, two nights of wine tasting in Santa Barbara Wine Country, a Week's Stay at Il Palazzone in Montalcino Tuscany, and Brazilian Cachaças Tasting Set (incl. 5 bottles).

You can browse bid items by region:

Europe (hosted by David Lebovitz)

Asia Pacific (hosted by Ed of Tomatom)

USA: East Coast (hosted by Helen of Tartelette)

USA: West Coast (hosted by Shauna of Gluten Free Girl)

Canada (hosted by Tara of Seven Spoons)

The fundraiser lasts until Christmas and the raffle results will be posted on January 18, 2010 at Chez Pim.

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