September 1st marks the beginning of Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign designed to inspire conversation and drive passion for the issue of hunger across our country. Tens of millions of people in the United States—including the 458,382 individuals and 143,496 children in Central Texas—face hunger, with stark disparities persisting along racial and ethnic lines. This month, you can take action, no matter how big or small, and join the nationwide movement to end hunger. This month, there will be another reason to sport orange around town, because orange is the color of hunger relief.
There are so many different ways you can take action this month to show up for our neighbors in need, here are just a few:
1. Donate
Make a donation to the Central Texas Food Bank and help feed the 1 in 7 individuals facing hunger in our community. Your gift makes a difference.
2. Fundraise on Social Media
Start a fundraiser on your Facebook or Instagram profile. Encourage those in your social network to give back and help raise funds to feed those who need it most.
3. Volunteer
Our biggest volunteer need is at our Mobile Food Pantry distributions, specifically those in our rural counties. Check out our Mobile Food Pantry calendar and register for a volunteer shift.
4. Advocate
Use your voice to support a policy agenda that responds to a rapidly-changing food system infrastructure and addresses the root causes of hunger and poverty to create a better future for Central Texas. Learn more about our F.R.E.S.H. approach.
5. Go Orange
Orange is the color of hunger relief, so there will be a lot of orange happening this month. Show your support by sporting your favorite orange shirt or accessory. Encourage your workplace to go all out on Friday, September 15th for Hunger Action Day! Take a photo and share it using the #HungerActionDay.
6. Start a Fundraiser
Start a virtual food drive this month at your work place. Encourage others to share with their own networks to spread the word and use the fundraiser as an opportunity to educate your network on the issue of hunger in our community.
7. Initiate a Food Drive
Start a food drive in your neighborhood or at your child’s school. You can pick up boxes at the Food Bank to collect your goods or simply drop them off at your leisure. See our list of most needed items and share it when you share about your food drive!
8. Social Advocacy
Download assets from our social toolkit and post to your feed and stories! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #HungerActionMonth and tag us so we can reshare!
9. Dine Out During Austin Restaurant Weeks
Take your loved one out to eat at one of the ARW participating restaurants now through September 17th! Proceeds from your ARW menu order go straight to the Central Texas Food Bank. Help put food on the table for families in need when you dine out during Austin Restaurant Weeks!
10. Attend the Hot Sauce Festival
Austin’s annual Hot Sauce Fest is back again on Sunday, September 10th at The Far Out Lounge and Stage. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Central Texas Food Bank. Be sure to stop by our table and say hello when you’re there!
