5 Ways YOU Can Get Involved in Hunger Action Month!

This blog originally appeared on sodexoinsights.com

Actively engaging young people in their community can result in positive and meaningful social change. Learn more about how to engage young people by reading Six Steps to Engage Millennials in Social Change and utilizing the complimentary Youth Engagement Toolkit.

The start of September marks Labor Day celebrations, the official end of summer vacation and the beginning of cooler fall weather. But September is also a time a year when we shine a light on an important issue – hunger in America.

Hunger is closer to home than we think. Food insecurity exists in every county in the U.S., ranging from a low of 4 percent in Slope County, ND to a high of 37 percent in Jefferson County, MS. [1] Nearly 1 in 5 children in America lives in households that struggle to put food on the table. [2]

September is Hunger Action Month, and your opportunity to take action in your community. The nationwide initiative serves to raise awareness on the problem of hunger and food insecurity and the opportunities for making progress.

Do your part this September. Here are five fun and easy ways you can make a difference each day of the week:

Motivation Monday
Kick start your week by sharing an inspirational quote and picture that will inspire others to get involved. Tag us on Facebook or Twitter #EndingHunger.

Here’s an example: “If we can conquer space, we can conquer childhood hunger” –Buzz Aldrin. Did you know that 1 in 5 children in America worry about where their next meal will come from? Together, we can solve it. Share this post so we can spread the word. #EndingHunger

Talk About It Tuesday
Children can make a positive difference in the lives of other kids in need. It’s important to talk to children about hunger, and inspire them to take action against it.  For conversations starters view the PSA and Viewing Guide.

Wear Orange Wednesday
Orange is the color of hunger awareness. Sport orange gear to show support, snap a selfie, and challenge others to do the same!

Take Action Thursday

• Roll up your sleeves and volunteer. Sign up for a volunteer shift sorting food or serving meals to help a nearby nonprofit.
• Let’s join our voices and urge our political leaders to make hunger, poverty, and opportunity a higher political priority. Sign the Vote To End Hunger pledge at http://votetoendhunger.org.

Feed a Neighbor Friday
Drop off a food donation at a local shelter.

The Feeding America network of food banks serve virtually every community across the country. Connect with your food bank for local ways to get involved. If you or your family is involved in a community group, such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts or 4H, see if you can round up the troops to volunteer together—more helping hands can impact the lives of more hungry Americans.

Taking simple actions can lead to lasting change and making a difference in people’s lives. Together, we can end hunger in America. Check out these hunger resources to get started.

Shondra Jenkins is the Executive Director of Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and a passionate advocate in the fight to end childhood hunger in America. Ms. Jenkins believes that eliminating childhood hunger is possible through the active engagement of young people. She is working with national non-profit organizations to empower youth to have a voice and take action in their local community. With fresh eyes, energy and a different perspective on many social issues, Ms. Jenkins believes young people are the key to ending childhood hunger.