Take Action This Hunger Action Month: Your Community Needs You

Communities across America unite for a powerful purpose during Hunger Action Month in September. This nationwide movement goes beyond raising awareness and is about taking meaningful action to ensure no neighbor goes hungry. For the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, this month represents an opportunity to rally our community around a shared mission: ending food insecurity in our region.

Why Hunger Action Month Matters

Hunger Action Month serves as a critical reminder that hunger persists year-round in our communities. This dedicated month for food insecurity mobilizes individuals, businesses, and organizations to address a crisis hiding in plain sight. More than 152,000 neighbors in Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore face food insecurity, including thousands of children who rely on school meal programs that pause during summer break.

The hunger awareness month initiative, spearheaded by Feeding America, transforms September into a rallying point for action. Communities across the nation commit to sustainable solutions that extend far beyond a single month of giving.

During this hunger awareness campaign, the Foodbank experiences increased demand as families navigate the transition from summer programs back to school routines. Many households face difficult choices between groceries and other necessities like school supplies, making this month crucial for expanding our reach and impact.

The Hunger Crisis: A Local Perspective

Behind every statistic is a neighbor: perhaps a working parent stretching paychecks, a senior choosing between medication and meals, or a college student skipping dinner to afford textbooks.

Recent data shows that nearly one in eight neighbors faces uncertainty about their next meal. In some communities we serve, that number rises to one in four children. These figures represent families living in the same neighborhoods, shopping at the same stores, and sending their children to the same schools as the rest of us.

Hunger awareness month emphasizes that food insecurity often remains invisible. Many of our neighbors maintain jobs, own homes, and appear to have stable lives while quietly struggling to put nutritious food on the table. Economic pressures, unexpected medical bills, or temporary job loss can quickly push any household toward food insecurity.

How the Foodbank Is Making a Difference

Throughout Hunger Action Month in September, the Foodbank intensifies efforts to meet growing demand through programs designed to reach neighbors wherever they are. Our comprehensive approach ensures that nutritious food reaches those who need it most, while also addressing the root causes of food insecurity.

The 757 Mobile Market brings fresh produce, protein, dairy, and pantry staples directly to underserved neighborhoods year-round. The mobile market’s client-choice model gives neighbors the opportunity to select items that match their family’s preferences and dietary needs, preserving dignity while reducing waste.

Our BackPack Program supports children by providing weekend meal bags when school isn’t in session. During the transition back to school, this program proves especially vital as families adjust to new routines and expenses.

Food hubs located throughout our service area offer more than emergency groceries. They also provide access to fresh food alongside connections to healthcare, job training, housing assistance, and other vital services.

Partner agencies across areas of Hampton Roads multiply our hunger awareness campaign impact by operating local pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency food programs. These businesses and organizations know their communities intimately and can reach neighbors who might not otherwise access assistance.

How You Can Take Action This September

Hunger Action Month empowers everyone to make a difference in the fight against hunger, no matter their skills, schedule, or resources. Multiple pathways exist for community involvement, ensuring that individual circumstances never prevent participation in this vital movement.

Volunteer Your Time

Direct service creates immediate impact, and the Foodbank offers flexible volunteer options for all schedules and abilities: 

• Mobile food pantry: Helping unload trucks and distributing food.
• Quality assurance: Sorting, packing, and ensuring food safety in our warehouse. 
• Special events: Fundraising, food drives, and community outreach. 

Donate Food or Funds

Financial contributions provide maximum flexibility for addressing urgent needs. Every dollar donated becomes two nutritious meals through our wholesale purchasing power and efficiency systems. By making a donation, your contribution allows us to buy fresh produce, dairy, and protein, which are items less commonly donated but essential for balanced nutrition.

High-need food items include canned proteins like tuna and chicken, peanut butter, whole grain pasta, low-sodium canned vegetables, and shelf-stable milk. These items form the foundation of emergency food boxes and remain in constant demand throughout our network of partner agencies.

Special matching campaigns often coincide with September’s Hunger Action Month, amplifying the impact of every gift. Corporate sponsors can pledge to match donations during this period, effectively doubling the meals provided through individual contributions.

Spread the Word

Social media advocacy extends the hunger awareness campaign far beyond traditional boundaries. Share posts using #HungerActionMonth to educate your network about local food insecurity and highlight solutions. Personal stories resonate most powerfully, whether sharing why you volunteer, how the Foodbank has helped your family, or explaining why this cause matters to you.

Workplace advocacy creates ripple effects throughout professional networks. Organize lunch-and-learn sessions about this food insecurity month, coordinate office food drives, or arrange volunteer team-building activities at the Foodbank. Many employers match employee donations or provide paid volunteer time, amplifying individual impact through institutional support.

Community presentations to civic groups, faith communities, and neighborhood associations spread awareness while recruiting new supporters. The Foodbank provides materials and speakers to help community members share accurate information about local hunger and available solutions.

Hunger Action Day 2025: A Day to Wear Orange

Mark your calendar for Hunger Action Day 2025 on September 9! Wear orange to show solidarity with food-insecure neighbors and symbolize hope. Take action by volunteering, donating, or sharing your story on social media with #HungerActionMonth. Hunger Action Day is also a chance to raise awareness about food insecurity in your community.

Turning Awareness Into Action: Your Next Steps

Hunger Action Month succeeds when awareness translates into sustained action that continues long after September ends. The goal isn’t just a month of increased activity; it’s building ongoing commitment that creates lasting change in our community’s approach to food insecurity.

Action against hunger starts with understanding your capacity, whether volunteering, donating, or advocating. Small, consistent efforts often create greater impact than one-time contributions. 

Organizations can support hunger relief by integrating it into daily operations, like permanent food drives, regular volunteering, or annual donations.

The strongest impact comes when individuals and communities work together. September’s Hunger Action Month is just the start. Year-round collaboration ensures no neighbor goes hungry.

Together, we can transform this month of awareness into a movement for lasting change. Your community needs you, and together, we will end hunger in Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.