September is National Hunger Action Month
Foodbanks Across America Urge Citizens to Help Fight Hunger
Sep 25, 2009
Hunger Action Month, originally a day of service and now a month-long campaign, is led by "Feeding America." Food banks, corporate sponsors and celebrities come together to fight domestic hunger. Demand at food banks is up 30% from last year due to the recession and rising unemployment . 36 million Americans struggle with hunger every day. "Feeding America" (formerly named America's Second Harvest) is the leading hunger-relief charity in the U.S.and consists of a network of over 200 food banks.
Food Banks Promote Message "Give a Little, Feed a Lot"
“Many Americans are unaware of the great demand for food assistance throughout the country. The need for food assistance nationwide has increased 30 percent throughout the last year and in many communities the increase is much higher,” says Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America.
Local food banks are asking their communities to participate in the "Give a Little, Feed a Lot" campaign. People across the United States are giving time, money and their voice to alleviate hunger. A calculator at Feeding America's Online Hunger Action Center shows how many meals can be donated, if people forego something small.
- Money – $1 provides on average three meals and a latte at a coffee shop covers nine meals
- Time – Foodbanks operate 70,000 programs including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters and after-school programs relying on volunteers
- Voice – People can send letters to legislators, since Congress will soon vote to reauthorize funding for important Child Nutrition Programs.
Corporate Sponsors Help Raise Awareness About Domestic Hunger
Hunger Action Month has attracted the attention of many corporate sponsors and entertainment partners to spread the "Give a Little, Feed a Lot" message.
- Macy's "Come Together" campaign asks the public to host dinner parties in their homes and have guests donate to Feeding America instead of bringing a host gift. Macy's will match dollar for dollar until the goal of ten million meals is reached
- United Airlines runs an in-flight video supporting Hunger Action Month and asks passengers to donate cash or miles.
- The Cheesecake Factory's "Drive Out Hunger" tour will visit 30 cities in 30 days asking guests to donate 2 cans of food at the event.
"Rock a Little, Feed a Lot” Concert on September 29th in Los Angeles
Sheryl Crow, Ben Harper, Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte and Jonny Lang will all perform at the “Rock a Little, Feed a Lot” concert on Tuesday, September 29th at Club Nokia in Los Angeles.
The concert will benefit Feeding America and the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. Miley Cyrus, One Republic and Rob Thomas have pre-taped special performances to air at the concert. Adam Shankman, producer and director of “Step Up,” “Hairspray,” “Bringing Down the House,” and “17 Again” is directing the event.
"Rock a Little, Feed a Lot" Concert Information
World Hunger: Every Six Seconds a Child Dies of Hunger
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