September is Hunger Action Month: Food Banks Highlight Urgent Need for Community Support

September is known as Hunger Action Month, a time when people across America come together to raise awareness about food insecurity. This initiative, started by Feeding America, aims to engage communities through volunteering, donations, and spreading the word.

Les Sinclair, the Communications & PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, highlights the importance of participation. “Every dollar donated can provide three meals,” he explains. “With $10, you can supply a month’s worth of meals, and $100 translates to 300 meals due to our bulk purchasing.”

The need for help keeps growing. In 2025, over 171,000 people visited local food pantries each month through the food bank and its partners. In their service area, one in nine individuals faces food insecurity. Sinclair paints a vivid picture: if you lined up all those people, they would stretch for 40 miles.

Hunger often hides in plain sight. Many don’t share their struggles due to stigma. “They want you to think they’re just like you,” Sinclair notes, underscoring the importance of support from donors and volunteers in tackling this issue.

Recent studies suggest that food insecurity affects not just individuals but entire communities, leading to increased health issues and economic challenges. A report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates that food-insecure households are more likely to experience health complications and face educational barriers.

It’s a complex problem, but by coming together, we can make a real impact. Awareness and action during Hunger Action Month can lead to lasting change in our communities.

For more information about how to get involved, visit Feeding America.

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