In 2008, Feeding America establish Hunger Action Month during the month of September. It is a nationwide initiative by food banks and their partners to fight hunger in the United States. In Fiscal Year 2016, the Department of Economic Security (DES) Hunger Relief Program helped 1.4 million households and 4.4 million individuals. There were 1.7 million emergency food boxes distributed.
Did you know in the United States, 1 in 8 people struggles with hunger? That's 42 million people, including 13 million children and over five million seniors.
*Source: Feeding America
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides food boxes to individuals, families and seniors whose total gross household income doesn't exceed 185% of the federal poverty level. If you receive Nutrition Assistance benefits, you are automatically eligible for TEFAP.
Emergency food boxes are available for pick-up at local food banks for families of 2-4 and can feed families for up to five days.
Senior food boxes are also available for seniors 60+ years old. These consist of the same staple foods as the TEFAP boxes, with the addition of cheese and canned meat. The food is low in sodium and sugar, and packed in water. These standards are funded by the USDA.
There are many ways you can get involved in Hunger Action Month.
- Volunteer at a local food bank.
- Participate in St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance's "3o Ways in 30 Days"
- Participate in Oregano's fundraiser by ordering a pasta meal and they will in return, donate three pasta meals to St. Mary's on your behalf.
You can find the nearest emergency food assistance distribution site or congregate meal site by calling 602-771-2788
Credits:
Created with images by FoodBankCENC.org - "HungerActionMonth" • The JH Photography - "Week 48/52.2012" • Couleur - "pretzels fritters baked goods"