America is the world’s wealthiest nation and yet hunger plagues millions of Americans.
In the United States, there are more than 49 million people living in “food insecure households” (meaning they do not always know where they will find their next meal) in the United States. (Source: 2008 USDA Data)
According to 2008 statistics, almost 1 in 4 American children suffered from hunger; at the same time, more than 8% of households with seniors were food insecure. (Source: 2010 Feeding America “Hunger in America” report.)
September is Hunger Action Month.
Here are 10 ways you can take action and make a difference…
Find Your Local Food Bank, and volunteer! Search for your local foodbank by zip code.
Talk About Hunger with Your Family. For resources, go to Feeding America.
Host a Dinner Party, and ask your guests to bring donations for your local food bank in lieu of a host or hostess gift.
Learn More about hunger in Your State.
Prepare For The Unexpected. Build two emergency food boxes – one for your family and one for a family in need, in case of a disaster.
Increase your understanding. Spend one day on a food stamp budget. Try to spend only $7 on food for a day (the average SNAP, or food stamp allotment). Discuss what the experience was like with your family.
Call Your Member of Congress. Urge them to support legislation helping people struggling with hunger.
Teach your children that healthy food matters for all of us, including those in need. Cook a meal with your child and educate them about hunger.
Write a Letter to the Editor of your local newspaper about hunger in your community.
Organize a Food Drive. Be sure to check with your local food bank to find out what items they are in need of right now.
For more information, see HungerActionMonth or Feeding America.
