In the Mahoning Valley more than 85,000 of our neighbors struggle with hunger and may not know where they’ll find their next meal. Hunger affects many people—like Blanca, who works full-time as a medical assistant. Even with her income and her husband’s part-time job, they still struggle to put food on the table and support their two daughters. And it affects 7-year-old Iliana, who wants to be a doctor when she grows up because she wants to help people – just like the Summer Food Service Program helps her get the nutritious food she needs to thrive.
That is why, this September, Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley joins Feeding America food banks across the country to take part in Hunger Action Month and inspire people to take action and raise awareness of the fact that 40 million Americans, including 12.5 million children and 5.5 million seniors, are food insecure.
“Hunger Action Month helps to raise awareness that 1 in 6 adults and 1 in 4 children in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties do not know where their next meal is coming from,” said Michael Iberis, executive director, Second Harvest Food Bank. “Volunteering, hosting a food drive or fundraiser, making a monetary donation — every action counts, especially now,” he added.
Second Harvest Food Bank invites the community to TAKE ACTION this September to help feed our friends and neighbors by:
- Hosting a food drive/fundraiser by calling 330.792.5522
- Make a donation: $1 = 6 meals
- Wear ORANGE on September 12th - Share photos: Facebook and Instagram @SHFBMV
Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, a member of Feeding America, provides food to those in need in the tri-county area through 160 programs provided by hunger-relief organizations, which include church pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, shelters for battered women, and after-school programs. In 2018, the Food Bank distributed more than 10 million pounds of food, including 3 million pounds of produce. For more information on the Food Bank, please visit www.mahoningvalleysecondharvest.org or call 330-792-5522.