For Hunger Action Month this September, the River Valley Regional Food Bank will join 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 16th year Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a nationwide network of 200 food banks, including the River Valley Regional Food Bank in Fort Smith, and 60,000 partner food pantries and meal programs, has organized the annual call to action. By joining the movement, the River Valley Regional Food Bank 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.”
During the month of September, people across the Arkansas River Valley can get involved by listening, acting and inviting others to speak up about ways to end hunger.
• Make a monetary contribution, where $1 = 10 meals to a family in need
• Volunteer for a shift at the food bank
• Host a food drive
“We have all experienced being hungry, but a lot of our neighbors are experiencing hunger. The difference in the two is hunger can impact our physical and mental well- being,” said River Valley Regional Food Bank Director Tracy Engel. “One in four children in the River Valley are impacted by hunger; and while the statistics are staggering, they are also eye opening and a call to action. September is just that a call — where Feeding America food banks such as the River Valley Regional Food Bank and the other 199 across the nation ask for their communities to help them in their collective mission to fight hunger.”
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 how you can take action by visiting www.rvrfoodbank.org.