September is Hunger Action Month

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Judy Stermer, Vermont Foodbank

802-477-4108

jstermer@vtfoodbank.org

BARRE, VT, September 1, 2009 - The Vermont Foodbank in conjunction with Feeding America, announces the second annual Hunger Action Month, a nationwide call-to-action effort to mobilize people everywhere to get involved with ending hunger in America.

One in eight Americans struggles with hunger. That's why Feeding America and the Vermont Foodbank are asking everyone to take action during Hunger Action Month and Give a Little, Feed a Lot.

Throughout September, join millions of other Americans in giving a little of yourself ...money, time, voice ... whatever you can ... to feed the hungry in your community.

"The goal of Hunger Action Month is to mobilize the public to help feed the millions of American men, women, and children who are living on the brink of hunger," said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. "This September is our opportunity to create a movement that has a real and lasting impact on our efforts to feed more Americans."

"In Vermont one in eight people access the charitable food system, more than 20,400 of them are children," said John Sayles, Vermont Foodbank CEO.  "This month we are calling on all Vermonters to do their part to fight hunger in their communities."

The smallest gift can make a big difference to those in need in every community.

During the month of September, visit one of 15 u-pick apple orchards, and pick and donate apples to the Vermont Foodbank.  All donated apples will be collected by the Foodbank and distributed to food shelves and meal sites around the state.

Participate in Give a Little, Feed a Lot by committing to volunteer, advocate, or organize a food drive for the Vermont Foodbank.

Consider walking in the 3rd annual Sovernet Harvest Walk on September 26, 2009 at 9AM.  All proceeds, including Sovernet's matching donation of up to $5,000 will be donated directly to the Vermont and New Hampshire Foodbanks. 

Throughout the month, participants can also visit http://www.vtfoodbank.org/ to learn more about how to help people struggling with hunger in their community.

Each dollar donated to the Vermont Foodbank provides two nutritious meals for someone in our community living at risk of hunger.

The Vermont Foodbank provides emergency food assistance for more than 66,000 people throughout the state each year, through a network of nearly 280 food shelves, meal sites, shelters, senior centers and after-school programs throughout the state.

The USDA reports that more than 36 million Americans live in "food-insecure" households - meaning they don't have dependable, consistent access to adequate amounts of nutritious food to maintain good health.

Nationally, funds will be raised and distributed in several ways. National partners including

Macy's, The Cheesecake Factory, Sony, and others will support the campaign locally through online giving opportunities as well as nationally, through unique programs designed to promote public awareness and support.

About the Vermont Foodbank
Vermont Foodbank is the state's largest hunger-relief organization, serving communities in all 14 counties of Vermont through a network of 270 food pantries, soup kitchen, shelters, senior centers and after-school programs. Last year, the Vermont Foodbank distributed nearly 6.5 million pounds of food to the more than 66,000 needy Vermonters who request charitable food assistance.  The Vermont Foodbank, a member of Feeding America, is nationally recognized as one of the most effective and efficient nonprofits and food banks in the nation.  For facts and figures on hunger and poverty, to sign-up to receive our newsletter, to find a food shelf in your community, and to learn about the Federal Nutrition Programs, visit us on the web at http://www.vtfoodbank.org/    

About Feeding America

Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 25 million Americans each year, including 9 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 63,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit http://www.feedingamerica.org/