The fight against hunger can sometimes feel overwhelming. Over 1.5 million households in North Carolina do not have enough to eat, and 1 in 5 children in our service area experience hunger on a regular basis. The best way to tackle such a massive problem is through cooperation and collaboration: We can accomplish much more together than alone. That’s why this Hunger Action Month, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle is partnering with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina to raise awareness and support for our shared goal of ending hunger in our community. We are so grateful for their partnership, but we also need your help to achieve this goal! Here are seven things you can do to join the fight against food insecurity this Hunger Action Month:
1) Become educated about hunger in your community
There are many myths and misconceptions about hunger and hunger relief efforts. In order to effectively fight hunger, we need to understand it. Learn about food insecurity in your community: Who is most affected? Which organizations are working to fight hunger? How can you help those organizations? Visit our Hunger 101 page to learn more about local hunger issues and our response.
2) Volunteer
Now that you have information about hunger in your community, it’s time to support the efforts to fight it. Volunteering is an incredible way to use your gifts and skills to help others while also having fun! We offer a wide variety of volunteering opportunities for every interest and skill set. Follow the link above to learn more.
3) Share about Inter-Faith Food Shuttle’s mission on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Raising awareness is an important part of the fight against hunger. You can spread awareness of hunger and the Food Shuttle’s mission on social media! Share Food Shuttle posts or create your own posts about your volunteering experience.
4) Donate
Inter-Faith Food Shuttle depends on donations to fund our programs like BackPack Buddies, Grocery Bags for Seniors, and Gardens for Everyone. Supporting these programs is a great way to fight hunger! Read the last Quarterly Report to learn how your dollars make an impact.
5) Organize a food and/or fund drive
Looking for a way to get family, friends, and community members involved in the fight against hunger? Organize a food or fund drive on your own! These drives allow neighborhoods, faith communities, and other groups to come together for a good cause.
6) Wear orange and light up local landmarks orange for Hunger Action Month
Orange is the official color of Hunger Action Month! Help us spotlight the need to erase hunger by lighting up local landmarks and businesses orange, showing our unity against food insecurity and the suffering it causes. You can also wear orange on Hunger Action Day to spread awareness of hunger relief efforts.
7) Advocate for strong federal nutrition programs
Immediate hunger relief (such as handing out food) is valuable and important, but we need to tackle the root causes of hunger in order to create lasting change. You can help by advocating for federal nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC that fight poverty and support families on their path to food security.