Hunger Action Month was created to involve others in the community and motivate them to join forces to ultimately have a greater impact in the fight against hunger.
The theme for the month is “Hunger Bites. Bite back.”, representing both that hunger is bad and the painful, biting effect it has on those who live with it daily. So, how do you bite back?
What can you do? Check the 30 Ways in 30 Days Calendar.
Below are some of the things going on at the Houston Food Bank:
SNAP Challenge – can you live on just $4 per day for food?
What if you could not afford to buy food? More than one million food insecure children, adults and seniors face that risk every day in the 18 southeast Texas counties served by the Houston Food Bank. SNAP is the federal program commonly referred to as “food stamps” that helps individuals and families purchase nutritious food from local grocery stores. The program is one of the best long-term strategies for addressing food insecurity, defined as inconsistent access to sufficient nutritious food, but sadly, Texas has one of the lowest participation rates in the country. The current average SNAP budget is just under $4 a day for an individual, or nearly $28 a week. Could you live on this amount of money to spend on food? Take the Food Stamp Challenge during Hunger Action Month and find out! Guidelines for the Food Stamp Challenge can be found here. Facebook and Tweet about it, and use the hashtag #SNAPChallenge.
Karbach Happy Hours for Hunger – September 16, 6-8 pm
Our friends at Karbach Brewery are hosting a Happy Hour for Hunger at the brewery on Tuesday, September 16 from 6 - 8 pm at 2032 Karbach St. Donation for admission will be $10, with $8 of each ticket going to HFB. Beer is provided with their donation.
f.r.e.s.h. Young Professionals Group Happy Hour – September 18, 6-9 pm
Houston Food Bank recently launched f.r.e.s.h., a young professionals group that helps fight hunger in Houston. On September 18, there will be a happy hour mixer, including volunteer time, for current members and those looking to join at the organizations main facility, 535 Portwall. For information, contact Brooke Curtis, 832-369-9312.
Great American Milk Drive – ongoing in September
Donations through The Great American Milk Drive website translate into coupons that families can use to purchase a gallon of milk. By entering your own zip code while making the donation, you can ensure that the milk is delivered through the Houston Food Bank. The Great American Milk Drive is a nationwide effort coordinated by Feeding America, in partnership with regional dairy associations.
Themed food drive for volunteers – Rice and proteins beans, canned meats, peanut butter
Throughout the year, volunteers are asked to consider bringing a nonperishable food item to donate when they come for their shift. The Houston Food Bank selects a needed or popular item, and for September, they are asking volunteers to bring items that are routinely needed in the Food Bank’s Emergency Food Pantry: rice and protein items such as canned meats, beans, and peanut butter.
Be an Advocate for Hunger!
Food Bank friends can help by communicating with their elected officials on legislative issues related to hunger relief. Watch the Advocacy page for specific calls to action.
How else can you help?
- “Like” Houston Food Bank on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, @HoustonFoodBank, to get ongoing information on events, promotions and announcements.
- Update Facebook status to share a hunger fact with friends and colleagues to raise awareness.
- Volunteer at Houston Food Bank or one of its member agencies.
