Hunger Action Month
September is Hunger Action Month – A month where people all over the United States stand together with the Feeding America network of 200 food banks, of which Arkansas Foodbank is a member, to fight hunger. It’s a month to spread the word and take action on the hunger crisis — and dedicate ourselves to a solution.
In Arkansas alone, over 679,000 people may face hunger this year, many for the first time – an increase of over 157,000 people because of the pandemic. This would increase the rate of food insecurity from 17.3 percent of the population to 22.5 percent of the population.
The Arkansas Foodbank is working hard to ensure our hungry neighbors have access to the food they need at this time, and year round. Hunger Action Month is a time where the community has a chance to help take a stand against hunger with us and all of the food banks across the state. All month we will highlight the hunger issues in our state and offer ways you can help make a difference in the lives of the hungry.
You can join in the fight against hunger this month by taking part in the events we have planned. See below on how you can get involved and help our neighbors struggling with hunger.
Harvest Week (September 7-12) “Harvest Night” is our annual marquee event for September’s Hunger Action Month. With consideration to current COVID-19 safety precautions, this year’s event is now a week-long celebration, Harvest Week, presented by Riceland Foods. This week long celebration is packed with activities for the whole family with partners such as Museum of Discovery and Stone’s Throw Brewing. You can find a list of all of the activities here.
Hunger Action Day (September 10) Hunger Action Day, which is the 2nd Thursday in September (September 10th), is a day where efforts across the country are focused for greater impact. Advocate. Educate. Volunteer. Donate. Everyone has a role to play in ending hunger. Take action today by getting involved in the fight against hunger. Don’t forget to wear orange!
Hunger Week with Big Orange! (September 11-15 at both Big Orange locations) All week long, Big Orange will be selling items highlighting the color of Hunger Action Month: ORANGE! Dine in or take out to support the cause!
By purchasing each of these items, you’ll help provide food for 10 meals for those in need: Sweet Potato Fries, Kennebec Chip Buckets with Chipotle Sauce, Big Orange Queso and their special Velvet Orange Cocktail (in store only.)
Rice Day (September 22, 1pm, Arkansas Foodbank Warehouse) September is also National Rice Month. Arkansas is the largest rice-growing state in the nation, producing nearly 9 billion pounds annually. Join us in celebration on September 22nd as the Arkansas rice industry makes a large donation to help feed hungry Arkansans.
Food For Kids Pack-a-thon (September 25 & 26, Arkansas Foodbank Warehouse) During this 2 day event at the Foodbank, volunteers will pack over 2700 kits for our Backpack Program. These kits, filled with nutritious kid-friendly food, will be distributed to schools across our service area and sent home with students on weekends. Click here to register now and reserve your spot to join us. There are a limited number of spots to ensure social distancing.