Northumberland calls for public support during Hunger Action Month
By reporter Natalie Hamilton
With a spotlight on food insecurity this month, Northumberland County is encouraging residents to donate to local food programs to help feed those in need.
September is Hunger Action Month.
Northumberland County is inviting residents “to join the fight against food insecurity” by taking small but meaningful actions to support local food programs across the county throughout September.
Hunger Action Month is a national awareness campaign that brings communities together to highlight the factors contributing to food insecurity, encourages public action, and advocates for a future free from hunger and poverty. Throughout September, organizations across Canada work to raise awareness and support food assistance programs that help thousands of individuals and families access nutritious food.
“Food insecurity affects people of all ages and backgrounds, and we continue to see significant demand for local food support services,” said Northumberland County’s Jennifer Glover, community and social services client services manager.
“Last year, 6,300 individuals accessed food banks across Northumberland, with children and youth accounting for 29 per cent of those served. The county’s Food 4 All Warehouse also supported more than 41 student nutrition programs, providing an average of 98,000 meals and snacks each month to more than 5,600 students during the school year.
“Hunger Action Month is a chance to raise awareness, strengthen community connections and remind residents that even small actions can make a meaningful difference.”
At the national level, Food Banks Canada supports food banks and raises awareness about food insecurity across the country. In Ontario, this work is led by Feed Ontario. Locally, Northumberland County’s Food 4 All Warehouse, alongside 12 community food banks, provides food support services and champions provincial and national efforts to address food insecurity.
The county encourages residents to get involved throughout September by participating in activities that support food security and raise awareness of available resources. Ways to lend a hand include simply learning more about food insecurity in Northumberland by reading the county’s “Feed Change Report,” which is available on the county’s website at northumberland.ca.
The report provides information about local food support systems, including distribution and usage data for food banks and school nutrition programs.
The county is also promoting participation in the “30 Ways in 30 Days” challenge, which involves completing one action each day to support food security in Northumberland.
Residents can download the challenge calendar from the county’s website for more ideas and activities.
Northumberland also asks people to share local food support resources by visiting and promoting FoodHelpNorthumberland.cioc.ca. The website provides access to information about food assistance programs and services available throughout the county.
Donating needed items to local food banks to help meet growing community needs and support neighbours experiencing food insecurity is also a good way to get involved, the county noted.
For more information about Hunger Action Month and ways to get involved, visit Northumberland.ca/HungerActionMonth.
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