September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign to mobilize the public to take action on the issue of hunger. Organized by Feeding America, the campaign brings greater attention to the issue of hunger in America and promotes ways for individuals everywhere to join the movement to solve it. Each year, the Vermont Foodbank works to help businesses and individuals find ways to get involved in the work of ending hunger in Vermont.
Feeding America, the nationwide network of food banks and the largest domestic hunger-relief organization, started Hunger Action Month in 2008, inspired by passionate food bank leaders who were looking for new ways to engage their communities in the important work of speaking out against hunger and creating lasting change. This year will be the 7th annual Hunger Action Month.
Hunger exists in every county in the country, affecting 49 million Americans including 16 million children. In Vermont, 83,630 of our neighbors struggle with hunger including 24,530 children. Last year the Foodbank distributed 8.2 million pounds of food with the help of a network of 270 food shelves, meal sites, shelters, senior centers, and youth programs. This work was done with the support and dedication of volunteers, donors, and advocates all doing their part to ensure that no one in Vermont goes hungry.
Hunger Action Day, Thursday, September 4, is a day when nationwide anti-hunger efforts are focused for greater impact. You can help by mobilizing your community through any of the actions listed here. As individuals, charities, businesses, and government organizations, we all have a role to play in getting food to our neighbors in need.