Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month—a time when collective action and voices can elevate the fight against hunger here in Vermont and throughout the country. Together, people in Vermont have continued to help each other during the last few years, when food insecurity rates have climbed. Increased costs and inflation, along with the ending of government-funded support programs, has made it challenging for more neighbors to access nourishing food. You can help—this month and all year long.

Photo of a woman's hands holding a small plastic heart.
Photo of a woman's hands holding a small plastic heart.

What Is Hunger Action Month?

There are 40 million people in America who face hunger. That is a big number, but if we can get as many people to care about one person—maybe it’s their neighbor, classmate or coworker—each person can make a difference. We, together, can end hunger one helping, or one action, at a time.

September is National Hunger Action Month and the Vermont Foodbank, along with Feeding America and food banks across the country are working to mobilize everyone to take action in the fight against hunger. Whether it’s by sharing on social media, advocating and raising awareness, making a donation, or volunteering, you can find a way to get involved this September and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors struggling with hunger.

Hunger Action Month Logo.
0
WAYS YOU CAN TAKE ACTION

VOLUNTEER

“Volunteering with the Vermont Foodbank is an opportunity to make a difference in a tangible way, knowing that what we harvest today will feed hungry Vermonters tomorrow.”
– Patricia, a gleaning volunteer

Last year, 691 dedicated volunteers worked 8,523 hours to help get more food out to neighbors who need it.

ADVOCATE

“Food insecurity for any family in Vermont is not ok. We have an urgent and important need right now and we look to our state leaders to fund solutions to addressing hunger today.”
– Jennifer Fontaine, director of operations at Upper Valley Haven

Through advocacy, we are engaging our elected leaders to address hunger and the root causes of hunger by supporting policies that make a difference in the lives of people in Vermont. Join us to work toward a future where everyone in Vermont can thrive.

SHARE

“I love watching old movies, helping other people (within my capacity), and telling my story so hopefully people will realize there is always, always hope.”
– Michael, a community member utilizing 3SquaresVT

By sharing your story, you can help humanize the issue of hunger, raise awareness about food insecurity and resources in Vermont, help build new perspectives and break down assumptions about hunger in our state, and inspire others to engage and act.

GIVE

“Helping others makes us all feel good. I am grateful for the help I have received.”
– a recent donor to the Vermont Foodbank

Donations to the Vermont Foodbank have immediate impact for neighbors facing hunger—for example, donations help: provide backpacks of food for kids to take home when school’s out; fund monthly fresh produce distributions at 22 statewide locations; and provide food to more than 200 community partners, like food shelves and meal sites, across the state.

Get Involved In Hunger Action Month

All of us can play a role in helping our neighbors facing hunger.

This September, we are asking businesses to take action against hunger. Kick-off Hunger Action Month now by filling out the form below. There are a number of ways to take action.

  • Donate Orange –  Mail a check to Vermont Foodbank, Attn: Mica Seely, 33 Parker Road, Barre, VT 05641. Please note “Hunger Action Month” in the memo line.
  • Show Orange – Decorate your storefront orange, such as hanging this poster! Also, include a Hunger Action Month message in your regular communication with customers.
  • Sell Orange – Be creative! Donate proceeds from the sale of an item in your store or restaurant, ask customers to round up their change at the register, offer a dress down day in return for donations from employees.
  • Collect Orange – Display a donation box or jar. Please use your own container if possible.
  • Fundraise Orange – Did you know that your dollar can go further when you donate to the Vermont Foodbank as opposed to donating food you’ve purchased? It’s true! So boost your impact, and start a Virtual Food Drive today!

Will you join us this September in speaking out against hunger? Activate your network of customers, colleagues, and employees to make a lasting impact on the lives of our friends and neighbors in need.

Thank you for all you do, each and every day, to fight hunger in Vermont. You are our true hunger heroes, and we are grateful to have you as partners in the work of ensuring that no one in Vermont goes hungry.

Here are some resources that will help you inform your community about the good work that you do, while also raising awareness about hunger in Vermont and encouraging supporters to take action against hunger.

  • Share your story. Click here to share with us why it is important to you to fight hunger or how hunger has affected you and your community. Please share this link with others who you think would be willing to share.
  • Follow us on social media and share our messages. We’re on Facebook and Instagram. We’ll be using #HungerActionMonth.

Please let us know if there are other resources that would be helpful to you! Contact our Philanthropy, Marketing & Communications team with requests at marketing@vtfoodbank.org.

Thank you for participating in Hunger Action Month! Hunger Action Month is your opportunity to join a movement that has a real and lasting impact on our effort to feed more Vermonters than ever before. Whether it’s by sharing social media messages, writing letters to the editor, getting friends involved to volunteer or making a donation, there’s a way for you to make a difference during Hunger Action Month. Here are some Hunger Action Month resources and ideas for ways you can take action.

  • Follow us on social media and share our messages. We’re on Facebook and Instagram. We’ll be using #HungerActionMonth.
  • Share your story. Click here to share with us why it is important to you to fight hunger or how hunger has affected you and your community.
  • Donate. Every gift can help provide meals to a neighbor facing hunger.
  • Hold a Virtual Food Drive. Did you know that your dollar can go further when you donate to the Vermont Foodbank as opposed to donating food you’ve purchased? It’s true! So boost your impact, and start a Virtual Food Drive today!
  • Volunteer. We are always looking for volunteers to help sort and pack food, glean fresh produce at local farms, and more. Become a Foodbank volunteer today!

More Ways You Can Get Involved

Young girl eating yogurt with a funny look on her face.

Donate

Photo of Vermont Foodbank staff tabling in front of the Vermont Statehouse.

Advocacy

Photo of Shaw's employee giving the thumbs up at a food distribution event.

As a Business, Corporation, or Foundation

Photo of volunteer moving a box in our warehouse.

Volunteer

Photo of a group of young adults sitting around a table talking.

Share Your Story

Photo of a woman putting milk in the back of a car.

Learn About Hunger