You can take action to support our community during Hunger Action Month

You can ‘Go Orange’ on Thursday, September 3 to help raise awareness of food insecurity. Share your photos on social media, using #HungerAction.

September is Hunger Action Month, a time when the Feeding America nationwide network of food banks unite and ask everyone to take action to fight hunger in their community. It is your opportunity to join a movement that has a real and lasting impact on our effort to feed more people than ever before.

Hunger affects communities all across our region—rural, urban and suburban. In cities and towns across Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties, more than 235,000 people struggle with food insecurity. As individuals, charities, businesses and government, we all have a role to play in getting food to our neighbors in need. During Hunger Action Month, you can find a way that’s right for you to make a difference. There are a number of ways to help, including raising awareness of hunger issues, advocating for change, donating food and funds, or volunteering your time and skills. We all have a role to play in getting food to our neighbors in need.

Here are just a few of the opportunities you have to get involved: 

• Go Orange on Hunger Action Day. Help us kick off our month-long effort to raise awareness in support of hunger-relief. Encourage your family, friends, and coworkers to join you and don your best orange attire on Thursday, September 3. Be sure to show us how you “Go Orange” by sharing your photos on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, using the hashtag #HungerAction.

• Fork it Over For Food. Throughout the month of September, The Food Bank will be partnering with dozens of local restaurants throughout Western Massachusetts for our Fork It Over For Food campaign. Diners are asked to make a donation at the end of their meal, 100% of which goes directly to The Food Bank to provide food for our neighbors in need. This year, restaurants will also have new ways to to get involved. Visit The Food Bank website for a list of participating restaurants.

• Will Bike 4 Food. The 5th Annual Will Bike 4 Food (WB4F) is our charity cycling event which brings together cyclists of all ages and levels as they pedal toward a hunger-free community. With five routes to choose from (3.5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 mile), there’s a course for everyone to participate. Ride as an individual or form a team with family, friends or co-workers. A new location, new routes and an exciting After-Party are just some of the things that will make this event the best yet. Visit willbike4food.org to register or learn more.

• Returning for the third year and in partnership with Hilltown Families, Family Volunteer Day continues to be one of the most popular activities during Hunger Action Month. All ages are welcome to join in on Saturday, September 12th. Stop in anytime between 9 – 11:30 a.m. Guests can choose from a number of educational hands-on activities. Sorting and packaging food donations, creating healthy snacks at the nutrition workshop, and touring the warehouse are just some of the opportunities. To register your family or find out more details, contact The Food Bank’s Education Coordinator at 413-247-9738 or sign up here.

Visit The Food Bank website for a complete listing of all the ways you can take action during Hunger Action Month.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chris Wojcik is the Marketing & Communications Manager at The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is committed to feeding our neighbors in need and leading the community to end hunger. Founded in 1982, The Food Bank is the leading provider of emergency food that reaches individuals and families in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties. From their warehouse in Hatfield, they distribute food to their member agencies (which include food pantries, meal sites and shelters) throughout the region. They continue to build a stronger community through a variety of initiatives, including our Mobile Food Bank, SNAP outreach, nutrition education, and our Brown Bag: Food for Elders program.