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September is Hunger Action Month – working together to raise awareness about hunger in America

More than 50 million people in the US face hunger; wear orange to show your support on September 5

Auburn, ME (Sept. 3, 2013) – Hunger advocates from Maine and across the country will be wearing orange on Sept. 5 in an effort to raise awareness of the more than 50 million people in the US who face hunger. It’s just one of the many awareness events taking place throughout the month of September in recognition of Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month – a month-long campaign to help end hunger in our country.

Throughout September, Good Shepherd Food Bank and other food banks in the Feeding America network will promote Hunger Action Month by holding events throughout the country to inspire people to take action to help the millions of people who are food insecure in the United States. Thousands of volunteers are expected to participate in food bank activities throughout the US.

Good Shepherd Food Bank will kick off Hunger Action Month at the Portland Sea Dogs game on Saturday, August 31 with a food drive. Fans are encouraged to wear orange (the symbolic color of hunger) to the game.

“Hunger is still a hidden problem in America and in Maine,” said Kristen Miale, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank. “People don’t realize that we have neighbors in every community who lack access to nutritious food. And when families are struggling with hunger, the whole community suffers as a result.”

The issue of hunger is of particular importance here in Maine, where 1 in 6 people is struggling with hunger. Nationally, there are more than 50 million people who struggle with hunger – including 16.7 million children.

Child hunger is especially concerning in Maine. One in every 4 kids in our state is not getting the nutritious food they need to grow and thrive.

“It’s shameful that in the ‘land of plenty’ we have neighbors and friends who have to worry about where they will get their next meal,” said Bob Aiken, CEO of Feeding America. “By raising awareness and working together, we can solve hunger.”

Many Hunger Action Month events are taking place here in Maine, including:

  • Portland Sea Dogs Game & Food Drive (Aug. 31)
  • Go Orange Day – wear orange to support hunger awareness (Sept. 5)
  • Books A Million Fundraiser in Bangor, Auburn, & South Portland (Sept. 7)
  • Lake Auburn Half Marathon, 5k, and Bike Tour (Sept. 8)

There are many ways that individuals and businesses can get involved during Hunger Action Month. The Food Bank has resources, including a calendar with 30 ways to take action, sample social media posts, and sample letters to the editor, on its website at gsfb.org/hunger-action-month.

About Good Shepherd Food Bank

The largest hunger relief organization in Maine, Good Shepherd Food Bank provides for those at risk of hunger by soliciting food donations and purchasing food at wholesale prices, then distributing the food to more than 600 partner agencies. Since 1981, the Food Bank has partnered with individuals, businesses, farmers and other nonprofits to alleviate hunger and build community relationships. In 2012, the Food Bank distributed 13 million pounds of food to individuals and families throughout Maine. Website: www.feedingmaine.org; Phone: (207) 782-3554; Facebook; www.facebook.com/feedingmaine; Twitter: www.twitter.com/feedingmaine.

Contact:

Clara McConnell Whitney
Good Shepherd Food Bank
(207) 782-3554 ext. 1166
cwhitney@gsfb.org