September is Hunger Action Month in Durham Region

Feed the Need in Durham (FTND) is proclaiming September as Hunger Action Month across Durham Region.

Hunger Action Month is a time that is set apart each year for the direction of thoughts and actions to the health and well-being of Durham residents who face hunger, says a press release from FTND.

FTND flags will be raised across Durham Region at town and city halls throughout September to recognize and raise awareness of hunger and support to help alleviate food insecurity in Durham.

During Hunger Action Month, FTND has shared their “Call to Action” with the region at large, as they continue to respond to hunger with the support of Durham residents, businesses and their network of emergency food providers.

FTND recognizes their existing network of emergency food providers that were in place long before the onset of the pandemic. Since COVID-19, they have all increased their emergency response. The network of support connects Foodbanks Canada to Feed Ontario and travels onward through Durham’s only food hub, FTND. Together, they support 62 emergency food providers who work the frontlines in the community.

Initiatives are taking place this September across Durham ranging from online fundraising challenges to Facebook events to community food drives.

FTND will host its fifth annual Push Against Hunger walk on Sept. 22 in partnership with DRPS, Durham EMS, and the Ontario Regiment as they walk to raise awareness and help to “push” against hunger in the community.

In keeping with the times, FTND has turned a focus to the virtual and remote donation options allowing donors to be able to safely support their work in the community from afar.

FTND also continues to see many unique and creative ways that supporters have found to safely manage and host third party food drive and fundraising events on their behalf.

According to the FTND press release, there are a number of ways for residents to take action:

– Engage family, friends and colleagues in a Peer 2 Peer fundraising “take action” challenge. Feed the Need has created a P2P fundraising page and inclusive toolkit.

– Host a food drive or fundraising event.

– Donate food or funds.

– Share FTND’s Hunger Action landing page and links to donate.

“This Hunger Action Month we want to recognize the incredible response of our member agencies to the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Ben Earle, Executive Director at FTND.

“We have been humbled and inspired by the dedication to the community that we have witnessed. Collectively we have distributed more food than ever before, allowing us to respond to hunger in these challenging times. This month we will celebrate these efforts while also recognizing that the work is not over and the need is persistent and growing.”

Visit FTND’s web page and follow the link to Hunger Action Month for further details or to make a monetary donation at feedtheneedindurham.ca.