It's Hunger Action Month, a national campaign sponsored by Feeding America. Hundreds of food banks take part every year. The goal is to encourage people to do something to address hunger in their communities.
"It's really formulated to get people to act, to do something to fight hunger that maybe you haven't done before," said Jocelyn Lantrip with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. "Like volunteer, go to a food drive, advocate. This year we have virtual bingo and portraits for produce campaigns; we've added a couple more fun things that are virtual to get involved, but it's really about doing something for your community and the hunger we're facing."
When it comes to hunger during this pandemic,Nevada is one of the hardest-hit states in the country
"Nevada is projected to be one of the worst states for increasing food insecurity by the end of the year, especially with children," Lantrip said. "What we've found is that Feeding America is predicting Nevada will be third in the nation in child hunger which is staggering. They're expecting that number to shoot up to 32.9% food insecurity for children."
The Food Bank has a web page with all kinds of ways to get involved - from hunger action bingo to drive-through donations - even a new challenge called portraits for produce.
"That's a campaign aimed to tell people that it doesn't take a lot to do a lot," Lantrip said. "If we get 2020 people to give us $20 to join this campaign we can provide 340,000 pounds of produce into the community. So it really shows you that when we all band together, we can do great things."
There are volunteer opportunities, donation drives, and calls to advocate for families in need. The message, that every contribution makes a difference.
"It doesn't matter if you can only help in a small way, it all adds up," Lantrip said. "That's what we've always seen at the Food Bank, is a really generous community, a lot of people giving a little makes a lot."
For more information, visit their website.
