September is Hunger Action Month!
Our thanks to our partners at Arizona Food Bank Network for this post and these ideas!
Believe it or not, September is here already, and with it we recognize #HungerActionMonth, a time to focus on engaging with our community and spreading awareness in the fight against hunger in America. Here in Arizona, one in eight people is food insecure.
This year, the State Legislature invested in school meals by signing $3.8 million into the budget for low-income children participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). This first-time state investment will cover the reduced-price meal copays for about 40,000 children across the state, thanks in large part to our advocacy and strong partnership from our partners at Arizona Food Bank Network (AzFBN) and many others!
To kick off the school year, staff at AzFBN met with Chris Madrid, the Cafeteria Manager at Laveen Elementary School, and Jennifer Gordon, Director of Child Nutrition at Laveen Education Center to see school meals in action. On the first day of school, Laveen Elementary served 650 meals to children from pre-k to eighth grade.
Students were thrilled to be back in the cafeteria after a long summer, enjoying a colorful tray of their school lunch favorites, reunited with their friends. We saw kids chowing down on fresh cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes on their lunch trays. The corn dogs were reportedly “bussin’.”
According to a 2023 report by the ASU Food Policy and Environment Research Group, consumption of school meals is directly linked with greater food security, reduced obesity rates, and improved physical and mental health. Access to school lunches reduces stress for parents and improves their children’s success!
How will you choose to participate in Hunger Action Month?
There is more need for food accessibility than ever before. The number of Arizonans visiting food banks each month increased to 650,000 in 2024, up from 500,000 visitors in 2023. Arizonans need more help due to rising food costs, low wages, medical situations, and more. There is no shortage of barriers to food access, but we can all work together to lower them for our neighbors with everyday struggles.
For the first time, Feeding America is featuring the Latino perspective on food insecurity for Hunger Action Month. Nicholas' story of experiencing hunger while pursuing a college degree is sure to strike a chord.
Here’s how YOU can take action in September!
Join AzFBN’s Grove of Good: Become a monthly donor and receive special communications, opportunities for tours, and spaces to convene with others who have joined the cause! Plus, receive a special Grove of Good gift when you join at $40 or more.
Arizona Tax Credit: Donate to Arizona Food Bank Network (AzFBN) and receive up to $470 (single filer) or $938 (married filing jointly) credit on your 2024 taxes.
Download the HungryFriend App: A percentage of every purchase at participating restaurants is donated to AzFBN, at no cost to you!
Donations to AzFBN directly fuel hunger fighting work, like voicing the need for free school meals and ensuring food banks are well equipped to handle the need for the Arizonans that rely on them. Thank you for doing your part to end hunger in Arizona!
Let’s work together to end hunger!