September is Hunger Action Month Courthouse to "Go Orange" for Awareness

September is Hunger Action Month and Hoosier Hills Food Bank and Feeding America are encouraging one million actions across the country to end hunger. During the month-long campaign, HHFB will be raising awareness and inspiring action in Monroe, Brown, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, and Owen counties.  Every action counts whether it’s donating, advocating, volunteering, or spreading the word online.

“We can end hunger in the U.S. when we decide to work together with coordinated action and a shared belief that everyone deserves fresh, nutritious food,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “This year during Hunger Action Month, we are encouraging everyone to take action. Raise your voice. Volunteer. Donate. Our individual actions may seem small, but together they become a powerful movement that can change history.”

HHFB CEO Julio Alonso noted that the food bank plans to build a theme of coming together to end hunger around this year’s election cycle.  “It’s no secret that there are many things dividing us, especially during a contentious national election.  But we believe that fighting hunger is a campaign we can all get behind. Whether you’re red or blue, we’re asking everyone to “Go Orange” in September as a show of unity in the goal of ending hunger.”

Orange is the designated color of hunger awareness and to help bring home the message, the Monroe County Courthouse will be lit up with orange lights each evening the week of September 9th, which includes Hunger Action Day on September 10th. The Monroe County Commissioners will also issue a proclamation declaring September Hunger Action Month in Monroe County and a food drive collection barrel will be available in the Courthouse rotunda all month to collect donations of non-perishable food.  “Monroe County is proud to stand with Hoosier Hills Food Bank in encouraging our community to take action against hunger – especially in September during Hunger Action Month.  Access to nutritious food is a basic right and a necessity for people to lead healthy and productive lives,” said Commissioners President Julie Thomas.

“Going Orange can take many forms – it’s all about taking some kind of action – making a financial donation, hosting a food drive, volunteering, speaking out or simply wearing orange and telling people why,” said Alonso. 

There are multiple events happening to support HHFB in September including the Alexandra’s Army Food Drive, the Weddle Bros. Golf Outing September 14, and an IU Health Volunteer Day on September 18.  Kroger customers can support HHFB and Feeding America through a register round up program in September and both Monroe County YMCA locations and Morgenstern’s Books & Cafe host food drive barrels year-round, along with the barrel stationed at Courthouse this month.  Vector Solutions and Alpha Gamma Delta will volunteer on Hunger Action Day, September 10th.  The community is encouraged to consider volunteering and hosting food drives as well.

Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study indicates that HHFB’s six county service area has a food insecurity rate of 14.9%, meaning 37,480 people are food insecure, including 7,610 children.  Statewide, 1 in 7 Hoosiers and 1 in 5 children are food insecure.