The state’s only food bank encouraging all to take action in the fight to end hunger
FARGO, N.D. – At a press conference Wednesday, the Great Plains Food Bank officially kicked off Hunger Action Month encouraging individuals to do all they can throughout the month of September to help end hunger in their communities. Hunger Action Month is a nationwide effort driven by Feeding America, a network of 200 food banks across the country that includes the Great Plains Food Bank.
The Great Plains Food Bank announced a list of hunger-fighting activities and campaigns taking place during Hunger Action Month, and invited individuals of all ages, families, businesses, churches, neighborhoods and communities to join them and take action. Find a list of all the activities below.
“Over the last 12 months, we have served more than 150,000 individuals in-part as a result of COVID-19 and our demand continues to be at an all-time high,” Great Plains Food Bank CEO Melissa Sobolik said. “This year’s Hunger Action Month is our most crucial yet. Whether it be becoming an advocate, volunteering, giving food or financial donations or participating in any of our Hunger Action Month events, we encourage you to take action this month to help in this important work. With your help, we can end hunger together.”
Specifically, the Great Plains Food Bank Hunger Action Month activities include:
Stock the Shelves
Corwin Automotive and Valley News Live are encouraging you to take action in the fight to end hunger and Stock the Shelves. The Great Plains Food Bank must fill their shelves in preparation for the increased need for food they will see in the months to come. To ensure there is enough food supplies on hand, Corwin Automotive Group will match all gifts up to $50,000 made by September 30, ensuring food for 300,000 meals is available for children, families, and seniors struggling with hunger. Donors can double their impact and help us Stock the Shelves by giving to the virtual food drive HERE.
Packathon
Volunteer groups will be spending days inside both the Great Plains Food Bank’s statewide distribution center in Fargo, and regional service center in Bismarck packing meals to help feed those in need. After a brief one-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Great Plains Food Bank annual Packathon has returned. Groups will be filling volunteer shifts to pack meals in Bismarck on September 14 and in Fargo September 16-17. Contact Kelly Foss at kfoss@greatplainsfoodbank.org or 701.476.9125 to register.
Diaper Drive
The Great Plains Food Bank serves as the North Dakota leader in the National Diaper Bank Network and will be hosting a diaper drive throughout Hunger Action Month. Diapers to donate can be dropped off at either the Great Plains Food Bank statewide distribution center (1720 3rd Avenue North, Fargo) or regional service center (1315 South 20th Street, Bismarck).
30 Ways in 30 Days daily action calendar
Follow the Great Plains Food Bank on Facebook and Twitter throughout Hunger Action Month to receive updates along with a daily action you can take through its “30 Ways in 30 Days” calendar. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to find times to volunteer, sign up to be a Hunger Advocate, become a food and financial donor and wear orange to demonstrate your commitment in the fight to end hunger. Find a complete list of Hunger Action Month activities from the Great Plains Food Bank HERE.
About Hunger Action Month
From Feeding America: “For tens of millions of people in America, a daily meal isn’t a choice between different dishes. “It’s a choice between food and other crucial needs – like medicine, electricity, or childcare. This September, choose to stand against hunger. Sharing, volunteering, pledging, fundraising, and donating are just a few ways to help end the impossible choices of hunger.” Read more about Hunger Action Month from Feeding America HERE.