It takes, on average, 6 months or more for food to be purchased, shipped and delivered: meaning that food aid normally arrives at around the time of the next harvest (many tropical areas have two harvests a year).

FORBES: Famine: Don't Send Food, Send Money

Many cultures around the world celebrate a yearly thanksgiving festival, a time when we express our gratitude for a successful harvest.

FORBES: How to Put More Giving into Thanksgiving