Looks like Gwyneth Paltrow has been making some big deposits at the bank... the Food Bank, that is.

Paltrow was honored at last night's 2008 Can-Do Awards at Chelsea Pier for her work with The Food Bank for New York City. The eternally waify and whimsical blonde strutted her stuff in a pair of dominatrix-esque heels, but last night's focus was on food, not footwear (though the shoes were inarguably a questionable choice).

Food banks and shelters across the nation are at a crisis point. Food shortages have plagued nearly every state and every major metropolitan area across the nation. In fact, Burma Rai, Chief Executive Officer of The Foodbank in Dayton, says even the Miami Valley has felt the effects of growing hunger, and declining donations.

Imagine then the epidemic that must be plaguing the streets of Manhattan: in 2006, the number of people going hungry in the city jumped to a shocking three million. And we're not just talking the poor, the disabled, or the homeless. An increasing number of middle-class residents are having a harder time putting food on the table. The percentage of those going hungry has also jumped among white Americans, as well as those who are college-educated. Scary stuff.

But it's no match for the ol' Hollywood treatment. Or, at least, it sure can't hurt to have wealthy celebrities throwing their millions at the cause. Not to sound cynical, though. Gwyneth Paltrow has long been known for her humanitarian efforts, particularly in the fight to end poverty and hunger.

Last night's event honored Paltrow's work with the Food Bank, along with that of supermodel Helena Christensen and several corporate sponsors, including MTV Networks. The Food Bank celebrated its 25^th anniversary this year, holding a charity auction last night to raise money toward funding the organization, and helping the 1.3 million NYC residents it aids each year.

It's good to see Gwyn putting her money (and her all-natural, macrobiotic, soy-based, vegan, food-like product) where her mouth is.