Hunger Action Month: Food banks report rising insecurity

Hunger Action Month food insecurity food banks poverty relief community assistance

September marks Hunger Action Month, as various food assistance organizations across North America report rising rates of food insecurity and call for community support.

In Pennsylvania, Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank reports that over 1.7 million residents, including 500,000 children, experienced food insecurity in 2024. In Berks and Schuylkill counties, approximately one in seven residents is affected. The organization is aiming to distribute 14 million pounds of food by the end of the year.

In Canada, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region noted a 205% increase in food hamper program visits since 2019, reaching nearly 622,000 visits last year. The organization is advocating for long-term government investments in income support, affordable housing, and living wages to address the root cause of poverty.

In the United States, Loaves & Fishes Community Services reports that food insecurity has risen by more than 50% since 2019 across DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will counties. The organization is currently pursuing a $15 million goal through its Nourish Together Campaign to expand food access and service capacity.

Entities

Feeding America · Food Banks Canada · Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank · Loaves & Fishes Community Services · The Food Bank of Waterloo Region

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Over 1.7 million people in Pennsylvania, including 500,000 children, experienced food insecurity in 2024. berksweekly.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Food hamper program visits in the Waterloo region increased by 205% since 2019, reaching nearly 622,000 visits last year. www.thefoodbank.ca
[○ 1 SOURCE] Food insecurity affects 14.4% of Berks County residents and 14.9% of Schuylkill County residents. berksweekly.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Loaves & Fishes is working toward a $15 million fundraising goal through its Nourish Together Campaign. www.positivelynaperville.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Food insecurity has increased by more than 50% since 2019 in DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will counties. www.positivelynaperville.com

Sources

Helping Harvest calls on Berks, Schuylkill residents to take action during Hunger Action Month [berksweekly.com]

9 days ago

Reducing food insecurity requires more than food [www.thefoodbank.ca]

10 days ago

10 Ways To Take Action Against Hunger - Community FoodBank Of New Jersey [cfbnj.org]

9 days ago

Loaves & Fishes: Hunger Action Month – Your Action Today Will Nourish Tomorrow [www.positivelynaperville.com]

10 days ago

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Calls on Community to Take Action Against Hunger in September [royalexaminer.com]

8 days ago

Hunger Action Month shines spotlight on food insecurity [www.heraldstandard.com]

8 days ago

Hunger Action Month shines spotlight on food insecurity [www.observer-reporter.com]

8 days ago