National Hunger Awareness Month

National Hunger Awareness Month

National Hunger Awareness Month is observed in June. Hunger is complex and often misunderstood. In the United States hunger is neither caused by overall food shortages nor by the personal choices of hungry people. Hunger in America is about poverty and the social forces that create and sustain it. The U.S. is the wealthiest country in world history. Yet today there are millions of Americans living in poverty and hunger.

Wear the color orange and raise awareness of hunger relief by encouraging colleagues, families, and friends to:

• Donate fresh fruit such as oranges or vegetables to your local food bank.
• Participate in a local food bank volunteer program.
• Join you on a lunch time walk, virtual meeting, or for a team picture.
• Bring canned food to your football tailgate celebration. Be sure to include a collection box with your team colors and a thank you for making a difference in Hunger Action Month.

Share your activities with friends and family and post them to social media using the hashtags #FedsFeedFamilies and #HungerActionMonth. Orange is the color of hunger. Stand together by wearing orange, turning city or town landmarks orange, and by raising our voices across the country on behalf of the millions of people facing hunger. Personalized Cause raises awareness of hunger with orange enamel awareness ribbon pins, fabric ribbons, and orange silicone awareness wristband bracelets.

National Hunger Awareness Month and Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month. This important month is where people all over America stand together with Feeding America and the nationwide network of food banks to fight hunger. It’s a month to spread the word and take action on the hunger crisis, and dedicate ourselves to a solution. The first of September marks the start of Hunger Action Month. More than 13 million households in the United States were uncertain or unable to acquire food at some time during 2021.

Get Involved in Hunger Action Month in September

According to the USDA, more than 34 million people, including 9 million children, in the United States are food insecure.

Food Banks and Food Pantries

• Become a regular food bank or food pantry volunteer. Over half of all soup kitchens, food pantries, and meal programs rely on volunteer support. Spending a few hours each month volunteering can make an enormous difference for food banks and the families they serve. Volunteering can also help you live longer and be happier.
• Learn how dairy farmers are working to get nutritious milk and dairy foods to individuals and families in need. Dairy milk is one of the most requested items at food banks, but one of the least donated items. While many people are generous with canned goods, it’s more difficult for food banks to accept milk donations due to its perishability. Refrigeration and storage capacity varies among food banks. For example, Terra Firma Farm, a dairy farm in North Stonington Connecticut, started a local Give Gallons program. They secure funds to deliver 300 gallons of milk a week to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center and the Gemma E Moran United Way/Food Center.

Hunger Facts

• Brush up on the latest hunger facts so you can debunk the myths. Every county in the United States struggles with food insecurity. By sharing these five myths about hunger, you can help raise awareness of the problem and inspire your friends and family to help. Read and share the Five Myths About Hunger on social media using #HungerActionMonth.
• Support school meal programs. The School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program provide nutritious meals to students at a low or reduced cost, or sometimes even for free. School meals follow strict standards to ensure that students are receiving the proper nutrients required for optimal health.
• Talk to your children about hunger in America. It is never too early to get involved in the fight to end hunger in your community. Feeding America’s Family Activity Guide will help you take action to help you and the kids in your life get involved in the fight against hunger in age-appropriate ways.
• Donate or fundraise for Feeding America or your local food bank. Your donation to Feeding America or one of its member food banks keeps hunger relief programs across the country running smoothly. While donating food may seem like the best thing to do to help your local food bank, the Feeding America network of food banks can do even more with a monetary donation. Consider making a one-time or monthly donation in honor of Hunger Action Month.