HUNGER ACTION MONTH
Turning Awareness into Action: Engaging Your Community During Hunger Action Month
Every September, Hunger Action Month offers nonprofits a powerful moment to reflect on food insecurity and inspire collective action. While food-focused organizations naturally lead the charge, any nonprofit—whether operating in education, housing, healthcare, or social services—can amplify this cause in meaningful ways.
“Hunger is not a problem that exists in isolation. It is connected to injustice, inequality, and lack of opportunity.”
— José Andrés, Chef and Humanitarian The Washington Post
Why It Matters Right Now
- In the U.S., approximately 13.5% of households—roughly 18 million homes—experienced food insecurity at some point in 2024, representing 47 million people overall.
- 1 in 5 Children (over 13million children in the United States alone) do not have enough food to grow up strong – Feeding America
- Meanwhile, in Canada, new data shows that nearly 10 million people—about one in four Canadians—headed into 2024 living with food insecurity, a record high and a staggering 15% increase year-over-year. Alarmingly, one in three children in Canada were affected.
5 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Take Action This September
- Partner with Local Food Organizations
Even if your mission isn’t centered on food access, you can offer tangible support—whether through volunteer time, joint awareness campaigns, or fundraising collaboration with food banks or pantries. - Launch a Food or Fund Drive
Monetary donations stretch further than canned goods—every dollar can translate into up to three meals via procurement efficiencies. Set a tangible goal: “Help us raise $2,500 this month to provide 10,000 meals.” - Infuse Hunger Awareness Into Your Programs
Tie hunger to your mission. If you work in housing, education, or health, show how hunger undermines long-term impact and emphasize the need for holistic solutions. - Leverage Social Media for Storytelling
Use hashtags like #HungerActionMonth and share stories—whether data-informed snapshots or human experiences—that illuminate the urgency and resilience behind the numbers. - Host a Fall-Themed Community Event
Host accessible, engaging events: a chili cook-off, a “Stuff the Truck” drive, or a fall-themed fundraiser. These create visibility, bring communities together, and build positive momentum into your year-end campaigns.
Storytelling Is Key
Statistics are sobering—but individual stories inspire. Highlight someone’s journey from food insecurity to stability, focusing on dignity and resilience. Whether through social channels, newsletters, or events, sharing real voices builds empathy and engagement.
Looking Beyond September
Hunger Action Month should be more than a moment—it’s an opportunity for year-round partnership, deeper donor engagement, and strategic grant planning around food security. Use September to plant awareness seeds that grow into sustainable action.
Together, we can move from awareness to real change—and reaffirm that no community should ever go hungry.
If you are a nonprofit organization providing solutions to food insecurity and require assistance with grants or fundraising consulting please CONTACT US – we offer favorable rates to Food Banks and Food Pantries.
