September is National Hunger Action Month

What is Hunger Action and why is it important? Hunger Action is an initiative to spread the word of food insecurity (not having access to enough affordable and nutritious food) and how to create a solution within your community. According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), more than 34 million people, including 9 million children, in the United States suffer from food insecurity. In Michigan, 15% of residents and 18% of all children are considered food insecure.

Many people produce “coping solutions” to combat food insecurity in their households. Some of these strategies include purchasing less-nutritious food due to lower cost, foregoing medical visits, and going without other essentials such as heat or electricity.

Many people in Michigan are one missed paycheck or emergency away from hunger becoming a reality. But hunger does not affect everyone equally. In a 2020 Michigan-based study, food insecurity was linked with racial disparities. Urban areas with the majority of Black residents and several counties in northern Michigan with Tribal reservations showed elevated rates of food insecurity.

Communities without access to reliable public transportation or fresh food markets, and those who live in lower-income areas are especially vulnerable to hunger. Groups like children, seniors, and people of color face hunger at much higher rates. To achieve a hunger-free America, we must address the root causes of hunger: structural and systemic inequities.

The Food Security Council of Michigan suggests that investing in local growers, grocers, and businesses, calling for an improvement in public transit systems, and focusing on home delivery services can help communities address food insecurity.

How can you help? Become a regular food bank volunteer, donate to your local food bank (in-person or virtually) and advocate to your elected officials for better access to transportation and fresh food.

• Donate: https://www.fbcmich.org/resources/find-a-food-bank/
• Virtual Food Bank: https://vfd.fbcmich.org/shopping/
• Volunteer: https://www.feedingamerica.org/take-action/volunteer
• Advocate: https://www.feedingamerica.org/take-action/advocate/campaign-to-end-hunger

Resources

• https://michiganumc.org/missions/childhungerresources/
• https://www.fbcmich.org/resources/find-a-food-bank/
• https://www.fbcmich.org/

Written by:
Kate Vuckovich
Event Planner – MPHI Education & Training Services