September is Hunger Action Month, Feeding America’s annual nationwide campaign designed to inspire people to take action and end hunger for good in the U.S.A. As the cost of essentials like groceries and energy continue to put pressure on household budgets, Feeding America is calling on the nation to join in collective action and play a part in helping increase access to food for everyone.
According to the latest data available from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, 48 million people, including more than 14 million children, experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest level since 2014. With federal nutrition support in decline, the need to act has never been greater. In Philabundance’s service area, nearly 700,000 people face hunger, including more than 209,000 children.
“Together we can end hunger,” said Denis McDonough, CEO of Feeding America. “It takes people looking out for each other, especially now, as so many families are navigating difficult tradeoffs necessitated by high food prices. This Hunger Action Month, we’re asking everyone to show up for their neighbors facing hunger and play their part. Whether you give, volunteer, speak up, or support your community in another way, your action matters. When neighbors care for neighbors, we strengthen our communities.”
Throughout September, the nationwide Feeding America network will mobilize partners, donors, volunteers, and advocates around the campaign theme “Play Your Part,” which highlights how individual actions, from growing and donating food to packing meals and advocating for policy change, connect to something powerful.
“This Hunger Action Month, joining the movement to end hunger helps ensure that everyone, regardless of race, background, or ZIP code, has access to the nutritious food and vital resources they need to thrive in school, at work, in personal relationships, and essentially, every aspect of their lives,” said Philabundance CEO Loree Jones Brown. “Because when people are fed, futures are nourished, and individuals go from just living to truly thriving.”
In addition, September 29 is Hunger Action Day, a day where collective efforts across the country are focused for greater impact. It’s also a day to “Go Orange”— Philabundance encourages everyone to unite by wearing orange and speaking out on behalf of our neighbors facing hunger.
Every action, big or small, is one step closer to a country where no one is hungry. You can choose to donate, volunteer, raise awareness, and advocate. We hope you choose to “Play Your Part” and help Philabundance end hunger.
