September is Hunger Action Month, and food banks across the country are urging one million actions to combat hunger. Locally, Harvest Regional Food Bank began its Hunger Action Month activities with a luncheon on August 27th at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church. The event featured speakers, testimonials on hunger relief efforts, and recognition of volunteers, including the Hunger Hero of the Year.
Camille Coker Wrinkle, CEO of Harvest Regional Food Bank, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about food insecurity during this month. “Both Texas and Arkansas have some of the highest rates of food insecurity in the nation, particularly childhood hunger,” Wrinkle noted. According to the USDA, 1 in 7 people and 1 in 5 children faced food insecurity in 2022. In the areas served by Harvest Regional Food Bank, food insecurity ranges from 13% in Bowie County to 18% in Nevada County.
Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, highlighted the power of collective action in ending hunger in the U.S. “We encourage everyone to take action this month—raise your voice, volunteer, donate. Small actions can come together to create a powerful movement,” she said.
