Regional food bank joins national hunger awareness campaign this September
Jacksonville, Fla. –– Sept. 1, 2023 –– Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL) today kicked off Hunger Action Month, an annual observance in which people and organizations all over the country stand together against hunger each September. Started in 2008 by Feeding America, Feeding Northeast Florida leads the effort to highlight hunger in Northeast and North Central Florida across the 12 counties the organization serves.
More than 240,000 individuals, including approximately 65,000 children, living in the organization's service area struggle with some level of food insecurity –– equating to one in ten adults and one in seven children. With inflationary pressures, historic rent increases and the rising cost of food and other necessities, the need for food assistance has continued to affect many families, children, seniors and veterans in our community. In 2022, FNEFL estimates it served more than 85,000 meals per day and distributed more than 28 million pounds of food.
Throughout the month of September, FNEFL is bringing attention to hunger and its effects on many in our community through targeted initiatives in honor of Hunger Action Month, including two Southeastern Grocers sponsored food distribution events, a virtual food drive and shopping experience, and an interactive coloring wall at both Jacksonville and Gainesville facilities, among others. Local landmarks, including the Acosta Bridge, Florida Blue, Daily’s Place and EverBank Stadium, will display orange lights during the month to raise awareness and stand in solidarity with FNEFL in their efforts to alleviate hunger. Additionally, Mayor Donna Deegan has proclaimed September 15, 2023 as Hunger Action Day in Jacksonville.
“Every person deserves access to quality, affordable, nourishing food,” said Susan King, President & CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida. “Unfortunately, many in our community struggle to feed themselves and their families. During difficult times, we step in to help fill the meal gap so that families can focus their budgets on everything else. Throughout Hunger Action Month, we are proud to join food banks around the country in bringing awareness to this important need, keeping hunger and its effects top of mind.”
Feeding Northeast Florida encourages the public to wear orange, the color of hunger, on Hunger Action Day (Friday, September 15), volunteer, pledge to advocate, fundraise or donate this month and throughout the year. More information of the food bank’s efforts can be found at feedingnefl.org/hungeractionmonth.
For additional details about Feeding Northeast Florida’s efforts, to make a donation to the food bank or sign up to volunteer, visit feedingnefl.org. Every $1 donated helps provide six meals.
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About Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL)
Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL) is the region’s largest nonprofit (501c3) food bank and hunger relief network. FNEFL provides nutritious foods and other essential goods to those in need and strives to improve the quality of life for people living in and around Northeast and North Central Florida by addressing food insecurity, poverty and poor health. Alongside our network of food distribution, agency and community partners, the Food Bank provides food resources and hope to help all people living in our 12-county service area (Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Levy, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns and Union) who struggle to feed themselves and their families. Feeding Northeast Florida works daily to find solutions to address the issues of food insecurity and poverty through awareness, advocacy, education, and action in ways that promote dignity, respect and empowerment. For more information, visit feedingnefl.org.