FeedMore WNY joins Feeding America's Hunger Action Month campaign to ensure food isn't an impossible choice for 164,830 people facing hunger locally

Hunger Action Month campaign aims to inspire public to join fight to end hunger and raise awareness of hunger in America

FeedMore WNY is joining Feeding America and other member food banks to raise awareness of people experiencing food insecurity and inspire action during Hunger Action Month this September, culminating with Hunger Action Day this Friday, Sept. 23.

A press release said, “Food banks around the country are working to make a real and lasting impact on hunger in their communities, and they are asking for the public’s support.”

This is the 15th year Feeding America has organized the annual call to action. The nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization has a nationwide network of 200 food banks, including FeedMore WNY, and 60,000 partner food pantries and meal programs.

“Many people may not give a daily meal much thought. For people facing hunger, a daily meal is not as simple,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “Instead, it becomes a different type of choice – an impossible decision between food or other crucial needs, such as electricity, child care or medicine. Nobody should be forced to make a choice to go hungry. With the public’s support, we can come together to help increase food access for all people, so they no longer have to make such tough decisions.”

“One in eight people in our four-county service area lives with food insecurity,” said Tara. A. Ellis, president and CEO of FeedMore WNY. “Being food insecure means you do not have consistent access to enough food for a healthy and active lifestyle. According to Feeding America’s annual ‘Map the Meal Gap’ study, food insecurity is 25% higher here than the state average. An estimated 164,830 people – 12.4% of our service area – are food insecure. Among children, the percentage is even worse, and the food insecurity can have life-long consequences for them.”

People across Western New York can get involved and help provide food security by:

√ Volunteering with FeedMore WNY to deliver meals to homebound neighbors;

√ Organizing a food drive in their neighborhood or workplace to collect donations for FeedMore WNY; and

√ Raise awareness about the efforts to prevent hunger by wearing orange for Hunger Action Day.

“FeedMore WNY cannot do this alone. We rely on strong partner agencies and the help of thousands of volunteers to make a difference for our neighbors living with food insecurity – and more help is always needed,” Ellis said. “We are currently in need of volunteers to help deliver meals to homebound clients during the winter months. It is a great way for individuals, college students, or companies to make a difference in the lives of people in need.”

To join the FeedMore WNY volunteer team, visit www.feedmorewny.org/volunteer or call 716-822-2002.

In recognition of Hunger Action Day, multiple buildings around the City of Buffalo have agreed to turn their lighting orange on Thursday night. In addition, the Peace Bridge will be lit orange on Thursday night and Niagara Falls on Friday (from 10-10:15 p.m.).

The press release noted, “Hunger Action Month is a time for everyone across the country to act against hunger. You can choose to donate or advocate. You can choose to volunteer or raise awareness. You can choose to help end hunger. Learn more about how you can join the fight to end hunger by visiting http://www.feedmorewny.org/ham22/.”

More information on FeedMore WNY is available at www.feedmorewny.org.

About Feeding America

Feeding America is online at www.feedingamerica.org, and on Facebook and Twitter.