Hunger Action Month
For nearly a decade, September has been recognized as Hunger Action Month, Feeding America’s nationwide initiative designed to encourage the public to take action on the issue of hunger. Across the country, approximately 50 million Americans fight hunger on a daily basis. To understand this, consider the feeling of an empty stomach, and how on an empty stomach, we cannot be our best selves.
Hunger Action Month is an opportunity to educate people about the importance of food banks and the difference they are making across the country. The purpose of Hunger Action Month is also to raise awareness of the need to dedicate more resources and attention to hunger issues.
In Louisiana, 17% of the population is food insecure. In our service area, 1 in 6 people and 1 in 5 children faces hunger. In 2015, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank distributed more than 8.7 million meals to people in our 11-parish service area. However, even with all of your Food Bank’s efforts and all of the federal feeding programs, more than 24 million meals are still missing to ensure that those in our community have three meals each day.
As individuals, businesses, and government organizations, we all have a role to play in providing food to our neighbors in need. This September, consider getting involved in Trevor’s Wish during Hunger Action Month by donating at area Raising Cane’s and Essential Federal Credit Union locations. You can also donate directly to your Food Bank online at brfoodbank.org. With just one dollar we can provide food equivalent to 4 meals so even the smallest of donations can make an impact here locally. Join us in September, because Together We’re Fighting Hunger.
Stories from the Flood: Darren
