For Hunger Action Month this September, America’s Second Harvest is joining Feeding America and other member food banks to inspire conversation and drive passion for the issue of hunger. The month-long campaign will highlight the impact of food on people's lives, and show how a meal goes beyond solely nourishing our bodies. When people are fed, futures are nourished, and individuals go from just living to truly thriving.

September marks the 16^th year Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a nationwide network of 200 food banks, including Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia and 60,000 partner food pantries and meal programs, has organized the annual call to action. By joining the movement, Second Harvest believes our collective voices, actions, and commitment will help ensure every community has the food it needs to flourish.

“Food has a tremendous impact on people’s lives. We have all experienced firsthand how a meal goes beyond solely nourishing our bodies,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “Access to nutritious food is essential for each of us to reach our full potential and reminds us that we can all help to create positive change in our communities to ensure that no one goes hungry in America. Now is the time for us to come together to elevate the voices of people who experience food insecurity and inspire everyone to join the movement to end hunger.”

“We continue to see the magnitude of food insecurity in Coastal Georgia and are building new facilities to accommodate the need. By 2024, we will be better prepared and aligned to effectively grow our capacity and reach even more children, families, seniors, and individuals through our hunger initiative programs.  Hunger Action Month is a reminder to us all that food is a basic necessity and that none of our neighbors should ever have to go to bed hungry,” added Mary Jane Crouch, Executive Director of America’s Second Harvest.   

During the month of September, people across Coastal Georgia can get involved by listening, acting, and inviting others to speak up about ways to end hunger.  “During the month-long campaign, we want to raise awareness and engage our community,” stated Maja Ciric, Chief Development Officer.  “September 15^th is Hunger Action Day, a day where collective efforts across the country are focused for greater impact.  We are so grateful that the city of Savannah will partner with us on Hunger Action Day and illuminate City Hall in a glow of orange, the color of hunger,” said Ciric.

“We invite organizations, schools, and businesses to join the fight against hunger by wearing orange, volunteering, hosting a fundraiser, organizing a food drive, donating a portion of sales, or offering a dress-down day at school or the office. There are many different options for how you can join the movement and help end hunger,” said Ciric.  Through our programs like Mobile Food Pantry, Brown Bag for the Elderly, Kids Cafe, and our 241 non-profit and faith-based partner agencies, we know we will be able to make a positive impact on the lives of many more neighbors in our 21-county service area.

Hunger Action Month is a time for everyone across the country to collectively 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 take action by contacting Maja Ciric, Chief Development Officer at [email protected] or by visiting hungeractionmonth.org]