Community member dropping off a box of food donations to a volunteer.
This September, 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 region during Hunger Action Month.
Hunger Action Month is a national awareness campaign that brings communities together to highlight the factors contributing to food insecurity, encourage public action, and advocate 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.
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 vital food support services while championing provincial and national efforts to address food insecurity.
“Food insecurity affects people of all ages and backgrounds, and we continue to see significant demand for local food support services,” said County Community and Social Services Client Services Manager Jennifer Glover. “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.”
Ways to get involved
Residents are encouraged to take action throughout September by:
Learning more about food insecurity in Northumberland by reading Northumberland County’s Feed Change Report, available on the County’s website. The report provides information about local food support systems, including distribution and usage data for food banks and school nutrition programs.
Participating in the ‘30 Ways in 30 Days’ challenge by completing one action each day to support food security in Northumberland. Download the challenge calendar from the County’s website for more ideas and activities.
Sharing local food support resources by visiting and promoting FoodHelpNorthumberland.cioc.ca, where residents can find 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.
For more information about Hunger Action Month and ways to get involved, visit Northumberland.ca/HungerActionMonth
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
