News Summary
In recognition of Hunger Action Month, Second Harvest of the Big Bend has initiated a campaign to raise awareness about food insecurity in the region. With many Florida counties facing high food insecurity rates, the organization encourages community involvement on Hunger Action Day by wearing orange. They also operate food lockers and will host educational classes to enhance community understanding of food access issues. A recent grant aims to help provide meals for children during school breaks, highlighting the local efforts to combat hunger effectively.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – In recognition of Hunger Action Month, Second Harvest of the Big Bend has launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness about food insecurity in the region. This initiative responds to alarming statistics that show five of the ten Florida counties with the highest rates of food insecurity are located in the Big Bend, affecting many residents’ ability to access healthy meals on a regular basis.
Second Harvest’s CEO, Monique Ellsworth, underscores the dual need for awareness and action in the fight against hunger. The organization is calling on community members to participate by wearing orange on September 9, a designated Hunger Action Day, as a symbol of support for individuals struggling with food access.
Local Efforts to Combat Food Insecurity
Beyond advocacy, Second Harvest operates seven active food lockers throughout the region, with the latest service point located at the Neighborhood Medical Center. These lockers are designed to reduce barriers that neighbors face when seeking food assistance, making it easier for individuals and families to obtain the resources they need.
To further educate the community, Second Harvest is hosting a series of classes at Trinity United Methodist Church from September 3 to October 8. The sessions will cover various aspects of hunger and food insecurity, featuring speakers from several local organizations dedicated to improving food access. This educational initiative aims to enhance community understanding and generate collaborative solutions to the ongoing issue of food scarcity.
Impact of Food Distribution
In the previous year, Second Harvest of the Big Bend made significant strides in addressing hunger, distributing over 21 million pounds of food, which translates to approximately 17.5 million meals provided at no charge to recipients. This effort demonstrates the organization’s commitment to combating food insecurity and highlights the importance of community support in achieving these goals.
Support for Children in Need
The organization has recently received a $10,000 grant from the Wawa Foundation, designated to assist in providing additional food resources for children during summer months when they typically lose access to school meal programs. This funding will be vital in ensuring that children continue to receive necessary nutrition during school breaks, contributing to their overall health and well-being.
Background on Food Insecurity in the Region
Food insecurity affects millions of individuals across the United States, with some areas experiencing more severe challenges than others. The Big Bend region has been uniquely impacted, necessitating active interventions through local food banks and community programs. The comprehensive approach taken by Second Harvest of the Big Bend aims not only to provide food assistance but also to educate and empower the community to take collective action against hunger.
As the campaign gains momentum throughout Hunger Action Month, community involvement is essential in fostering a more sustainable solution to food insecurity. The combination of awareness, educational efforts, and increased food distribution will help address the pressing issue facing many families in the Big Bend region.
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Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
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