St. Louis Area Foodbank needs support from bi-state region
ST. LOUIS - Hunger impacts people in every corner of the country, including hundreds of thousands of our neighbors in eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois. The St. Louis Area Foodbank has seen a 40 percent increase in the amount of food it distributes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
That's why the St. Louis Area Foodbank joins Feeding America food banks nationwide this September to take part in Hunger Action Month and inspire people to take action and bring attention to the reality of food insecurity in America. This year's campaign comes at a critical time when the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt millions of people living paycheck to paycheck. Due to staggering unemployment rates, Feeding America estimates an additional 17 million people could be food insecure in 2020 as a result of this crisis, bringing the total up to 54 million people.
"Hunger Action Month is an opportunity to show that when we work together, we can have a huge impact on the lives of kids, families, and seniors facing food insecurity in the bi-state region," said St. Louis Area Foodbank President and CEO, Meredith Knopp. "As the past few months have demonstrated, hunger can truly affect anyone. We're all one life event away from needing assistance. However, we've also seen that anyone can affect hunger. Whether you are 5 or 95, we can use our collective energy to improve the lives of people in our community. We invite you to join us this September to fight hunger and feed hope throughout the region."
The St. Louis Area Foodbank has many activities planned to engage the community in hunger relief and awareness building, including:
STL Chefs Against Hunger - Every September, the Foodbank partners with local restaurants for STL Chefs Against Hunger, a monthlong campaign where restaurants create a special dish and donate a portion of the proceeds. This year, due to the struggles faced by the restaurant industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foodbank is creating a "foodie-raffle" to help feed hungry neighbors and support local restaurant partners! For every $10 donation to the Hungry for Change campaign, donors will receive one (1) chance to win a restaurant gift card (and provide 40 meals to area families). http://stlfoodbank.org/chefsagainsthungerstl/
Step Up to the Plate - Along with Cardinals Care, the Foodbank is teaming up with Royals Charities and Harvesters Food Bank in Kansas City the to fight hunger in our communities. Through Sept. 23, funds will be raised, with a combined goal of $30,000 ($15,000 per team) to help those facing food insecurity during these unprecedented times. http://Cardinals.com/hunger
Round Up, Fight Hunger - Walmart and Sam's Club customers and members now have the option to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar in stores, clubs and online at http://Walmart.com and the Walmart app. All the donated change in the Foodbank's 26-county service territory stays local.
Go Orange - Orange is the national color of hunger awareness. Throughout September, the Foodbank encourages everyone to take a selfie wearing something orange, holding something orange or standing next to something orange and post their photos on social media using the hashtag #HungryForChange to raise awareness.
"We need your help now more than ever," said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. "Hunger in this country existed long before COVID-19, but the pandemic has thrust more and more of our neighbors into food insecurity, and food banks are responding to a sustained, increased demand. With support of the community, together we can end hunger one helping at a time."
September marks the thirteenth year the Feeding America network has organized this annual call to action. To learn more about the St. Louis Area Foodbank and other ways you can get involved for Hunger Action Month in the bi-state region, please visit STLFoodbank.org/HAM or HungerActionMonth.org. You can also join the conversation by posting photos or stories to social media with #HungerActionMonth, @STLFoodbank and @FeedingAmerica