September is Hunger Action Month, and this year, more people – many for the first time – find themselves affected by hunger as the economic slowdown caused by COVID-19 continues. A recent national survey conducted by Feeding America estimates that one in six Central Floridians may struggle with hunger this year – an anticipated 49% increase. In honor of Hunger Action Month, Second Harvest is asking the community to help “Stock the Shelves” this September.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is accustomed to providing tens of millions of meals each year in the fight against hunger, but this year, the need for donations is greater than ever due to the economic impacts of the ongoing pandemic. For inspiration on how to offer support, the nonprofit put together one idea per day on its Hunger Action Month calendar.
“Now, more than ever, the community should come together to help those in need stock their shelves,” said Dave Krepcho, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. “With every donation we receive, we are able to help our network of more than 550 feeding partners serve 66,000 people each day across six counties. Every canned good, every volunteer and every awareness effort makes a difference.”
The month-long effort encourages Central Floridians to take action in the fight against hunger. Second Harvest is also making it easy to get involved by featuring at-home and socially distanced activities, such as:
- Donate 30 non-perishable food items representing each day of the month
- Host a virtual food drive or FUNdraiser
- Wear orange on Sept. 10 for Hunger Action Day
- Donate $30 for 30 days of hunger
- Donate your Buy One, Get One (BOGO) deals after shopping
- Sign-up to volunteer
- Dine or shop at local establishments, such as Black Rooster Taqueria, Action Gator Tire and Kendra Scott on select days; a portion of each sale will be donated to Second Harvest
Other ways to get involved will also be posted on the nonprofit’s Facebook page throughout the month. Second Harvest encourages participants to share how they’re helping “Stock the Shelves” on social media by using #StockTheShelves.
