September 3, 2008
September is National Hunger Action Month
Philabundance Looks to the Community to Join the Nationwide Fight against Hunger this Month
PHILADELPHIA –September 3, 2008 --This September, Philabundance will participate in the inaugural nationwide Hunger Action Month. Local events, awareness opportunities, food drives, and fundraisers will raise support for the thousands of individuals living on the brink of hunger in the Delaware Valley.
State Representative John Myers will be introducing a resolution to recognize September, 2008 as Hunger Action Month in Pennsylvania.
Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, joins the other food banks within the Feeding America network to help raise awareness of hunger throughout the country this September. Feeding America was formerly America’s Second Harvest –The nation’s Food Bank Network.
Philabundance Hunger Action Month Activities:
- Food Stamp Budget Challenge -- Philabundance is inviting the public to live on a food stamp budget of $21 per person for one week. Philabundance is also encouraging participants in to donate their remaining regular weekly food budget to help fill Philabundance’s warehouse. A special event in conjunction with Hunger Action Month with State Representative John Myers will take place on Sept. 10, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., at the Faith Chapel Church, 108 E. Price Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144.
- Hunger Action Month Food Drive – State Representative John Myers is organizing a food drive with other representatives. Philabundance is asking the public to drop off non-perishable goods, especially canned tuna, which is rarely donated. Items can be dropped off weekdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. from Sept. 10 until Sept. 30. A full list of needed food items and drop-off sites is available at philabundance.org. Below is a list of drop-off sites; more will be added soon:
- Drive Out Hunger Awards Dinner and Silent Auction, Sept. 18 – Philadelphia radio personality and comedian Joe Conklin, “the man of a thousand voices,” will lend his talents to emcee this fundraising dinner and silent auction to benefit Philabundance. Auction items include signed sports memorabilia including a Tiger Woods signed 2007 PGA 16x20 photo, among many other exciting items. Cocktails start at 5:30 and the Awards Dinner and Silent Auction begin at 6 p.m. Tickets for the dinner are $100 each and can be purchased online at driveouthunger.org.
- Philabundance Hunger Phighter – Experience firsthand the generous and life-changing work of Philabundance through a behind the scenes glimpse into the operations of the region’s largest hunger relief organization and become a hunger Phighter for a day. Bidding to be a Hunger Phighter began online on August 25 and the highest bid received by Sept. 17 at 4 p.m. will become the opening bid of the Silent Auction.
- Philabundance Day Proclamation at City Hall – On Sept. 25 Philabundance will present its Harvester of Hope Award that acknowledges individuals who are leading the way in the spirit of helping our neighbors throughout the Delaware Valley.
“You’ll be hard pressed to find a community in the United States that is immune from hunger,” says Bill Clark, president and executive director of Philabundance. “One in ten Americans is unsure from where their next meal will come. Our participation in Hunger Action Month, along with nearly 200 Feeding America food banks, is a call to all Americans to get involved locally to bring an end to hunger right in your hometown.”
The efforts of the Delaware Valley community in participating in Hunger Action Month will help to further raise awareness of the hunger crisis in our region and support Philabundance in meeting the growing demand for food aid for the more than 900,000 low income individuals affected by hunger in our communities.
According to the USDA, food prices rose four percent in 2007, and are expected to increase an additional six percent by the end of the year. This means demand for food relief will climb in the coming months as people struggle to make ends meet. Philabundance’s network of 600 agencies made up of food cupboards, pantries and shelters have seen a spike in demand over the summer with the shaky economy and escalating food and fuel costs. As we approach the holiday season and winter, there is every indication that there will be a record demand for food assistance and Philabundance hopes the challenge won’t be that great to meet.
Hunger Action Month is organized on a national level by Feeding America (www.feedingamerica.org), and includes events across the United States that directly benefit the network’s hunger-relief efforts.
Individuals can do their part to help by participating in Hunger Action Month events and programs, volunteering, making a financial donation, or organizing a food drive. For more information call 215-339-0900.
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