September is Hunger Action Month, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is asking residents to find at least one way to help neighbors facing food insecurity.
September marks Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about hunger and encourage communities to take action. In Central Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is using the month to remind residents that there are many ways to support local hunger-relief efforts.
As the region’s largest emergency food provider, Second Harvest works with more than 800 nonprofit feeding partners across its seven-county service area. The organization distributes approximately 300,000 meals each day to people in need throughout Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties.
The food bank says rising costs for necessities such as groceries and energy continue to place pressure on household budgets, making community support especially important.
“Hunger Action Month” is not focused on one specific way to help. Instead, Second Harvest is encouraging Central Floridians to choose an action that works for them, whether that means donating, volunteering, or raising awareness.
Ways to Get Involved
Give: Residents can become monthly donors or organize a Fall Food and Fund Drive to collect food and financial contributions for local hunger-relief efforts.
Volunteer: Those looking to give their time can sign up for volunteer opportunities with Second Harvest. The organization also offers “Food for Thought” tours, which provide an opportunity to learn more about its work and the issue of hunger in Central Florida.
Advocate: Community members can help bring attention to hunger by participating in Hunger Action Day on Sept. 29 by wearing orange. Second Harvest also offers “Hunger Fighter” merchandise for those who want to show their support throughout the year.
Second Harvest President and CEO Derrick Chubbs said addressing hunger requires the entire community to participate.
“Having enough food should never be something a family has to question – yet for too many of our neighbors, it has become a daily concern,” said Chubbs. “This Hunger Action Month, we’re asking everyone to show up for their neighbors facing hunger and play their part.”
In addition to distributing food, Second Harvest works to address some of the underlying challenges connected to hunger. Its efforts include job training programs, advocacy for access to nutritious food and opportunities for community members to get involved in hunger-relief efforts.
For Central Floridians looking for a way to make a local impact this September, Hunger Action Month offers several opportunities to get involved, whether through a donation, a few hours of volunteer work, or simply helping spread the word.
Learn more about Hunger Action Month and ways to support local hunger-relief efforts at FeedHopeNow.org/ham.
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