“Go orange” to end hunger this September!
- Hunger-Free Pennsylvania
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
September is a platform month in the world of food banking and food insecurity. It is the month when the charitable food network and food banks across the country “go orange” to raise awareness and dollars to end hunger as part of Hunger Action Month.
Food banks nationwide and those throughout Pennsylvania’s 67 counties will feature engagements and activations to connect communities in the fight to ensure everyone has enough to eat.
The month officially begins on Sept.3 as Hunger-Free Pennsylvania hosts a night with the Pirates at PNC Park. A portion of all tickets sold will go directly to support the mission of feeding the most vulnerable of Pennsylvanians. HFPA, in partnership with its network of 18 food banks serving all 67 counties, represents one of the largest charitable food distribution networks in the commonwealth. HFPA collaborates with state and federal governments and other nonprofit organizations to ensure food security for all residents. The month concludes with the Capitol All Stars Game in Harrisburg where elected officials play in a charity softball game to raise critical funds for the state’s charitable food network.
Throughout September, there will be a variety of other events to provide communities with the opportunity to feed their neighbors in need. These activities range in scope and theme but share the common denominator of working to end hunger. In Mercer County, for example, “Ready, Set, Go Orange” on Sept. 5 features 12 hours of continuous volunteering shifts, including a star-studded mascot race.
Now, at a time when food prices are soaring, need is at an all-time high (greater than even during the pandemic), and in the face of unprecedented federal budget cuts looming, support and engagement around ending hunger is more important than ever. Providing food for our neighbors in need has always been life-changing. In these times, that food can very well be lifesaving.
Lending a hand and being part of the “orange” solution has also never been easier. You can connect with your local food bank or food pantry to volunteer helping pack, sort, or distribute food. Beyond donating your time, you can share your treasure as well, starting a food drive, physical or virtual, or making a financial contribution. Food banks, because of their infrastructure and networks, are excellent multipliers on investments. Because of their buying power and supply chains, one dollar goes much further with a food bank. In many cases just one dollar can provide one, two, three, or even four or more meals.
Supporting a hunger relief organization can also be an excellent team-building opportunity for families, companies, churches, or social organizations. Getting closer to each other, all while getting closer to helping more families in need put food on their tables.
In this day of social media and technology, it is also even easier than ever to stay connected to hunger relief organizations, share events and news, and promote their missions and impact. Follow your local food banks on Facebook, Instagram, etc., and help spread the word.
Parties with a purpose, fun for funds, whatever your interest, there's probably something happening in your area for you to have a good time for an even greater cause For the 1.5 million Pennsylvanians who struggle with not knowing where their next meal is coming from and, even sadder, the 436,000 children who face the nightmare of going to bed hungry, this is a time for us all to be ambassadors against food insecurity.
For more information and to learn ways to get involved, please visit our website, pafoodbanks.org
All you need is a passion to feed those in need, the desire to be part of ending hunger and having fun while doing it – and orange, lots of orange 🧡