Help Us Fight Hunger Across America

Before the pandemic hit, 37 million Americans were already facing daily hunger, and estimates say more than 17.1 million more people experienced food insecurity during this crisis in2020.  Already vulnerable, low-income populations--including school-aged children receiving free/reduced lunch, senior citizens, people experiencing homelessness, and those who are unemployed--are even more at risk. Experts agree that the effects of COVID-19 will require a long-term response and Move For Hunger and its network are determined to see it through.

Move For Hunger has actually increased its food recovery and distribution efforts since the pandemic began.  In 2020, Move For Hunger had its most impactful year to date-transporting more than 4.9 million pounds of food, providing 4 million meals for those in need. In the time since COVID-19 has hit the US, Move For Hunger has been able to swiftly pivot the primary focus of its existing programs from rescuing food during move-outs, corporate engagement, and community events to developing innovative contactless food drive models, prioritizing bulk food recovery, and developing a farm & gleaning program to transport fresh & pershiable food to respond to the current heightened demand. While COVID-19 has exacerbated the issues of hunger and food insecurity that already plagued so many communities across the country, Move For Hunger is uniquely poised to respond effectively immediately because of its existing programming and infrastructure, its innovative use of volunteer transportation resources, and its ability to balance national reach with local community support

Food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters are on the front lines helping the most vulnerable populations as the pandemic continues. When asked what they need most besides food, these organizations will often respond “transportation,” which is very expensive due to maintenance of trucks, fuel, and drivers. For many, it often means losing out on food donations because they are unable to cover the cost of pickup/delivery. Many operate on tight budgets and depend on volunteers to provide for those in need. Social distancing protocols has made it increasingly difficult to organize food drives, coordinate donation drop-offs, and to find volunteers to distribute food. Meanwhile, the pandemic has created an heightened need for vulnerable populations, including the 29 million children who normally receive free/reduced cost meals at school, nearly 9 million food-insecure seniors, the 500,000+ people experiencing homelessness, and the growing number of people that are unemployed and food insecure for the first time.  

Through Move For Hunger’s innovative programs, food banks receive year-round food deliveries without expending additional overhead costs, while increasing food access to those in need. By partnering with community-based organizations on the ground and tapping into the trucks, fuel, and drivers of its transportation network, Move For Hunger can reinforce communities’ capacities to combat COVID-19’s impact on a local level.

Support Move For Hunger as we continue to help all of those food insecure in 2021 across North America.

For more than 37 million Americans, food insecurity is a daily reality. Those who experience hunger can be found in every community across the United States - they are our friends, family, and neighbors. People facing food insecurity are sometimes forced to make  impossible decisions, such as, "Should I pay rent or put food on the table for my children?" Choosing between getting to work and purchasing bus fare, visiting the doctors or buying are daily choices that are often made by those who are food insecure.  For those living in food deserts, it is also especially challenging to access nutritious food on a consistent basis.

Food insecurity is on the rise in the United States, and the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the need like never before. Food banks are working beyond their capacity while volunteer help has been scaled back for safety reasons.  Food continues to be wasted like never before due to disruptions in the supply chain. Since the COVID-19 Pandemic has hit, the Move For Hunger Network has been able to rescue and deliver enough food to provide over 1 million meals for those in need. And the need is unfortunately increasing. While the issue of hunger may seem distant to many, those who are affected may feel like there is no end in sight.

So it is with the background of these critical facts that we begin the month of September, which is known as Hunger Action Month. Move For Hunger will continue joining the thousands of other hunger relief organizations working to put a spotlight on this important issue during this month at a time when many are experiencing hunger for the first time in their lives. Though it might feel like there is nothing you can do to make a difference, we assure you that you can!

4 Easy Ways To Get Involved In Hunger Action Month

1. Hold A Fundraiser: Fundraisers are great ways to raise awareness about our cause while raising valuable funds to support our mission to combat hunger and food waste. 

2. Organize a Food Drive: One of the easiest ways to get involved is by organizing a food drive. Move For Hunger offers many creative food drive ideas, best practices, and can assist in transporting your food donations to a local food bank when your event is complete

3. Advocate: Sounds hard, right? Wrong! Advocacy is one of the easiest and most effective ways to take action.  Whether you encourage your local elected leaders to create better policy around hunger or share our infographics on your social media channels to raise awareness about this important issue, Move For Hunger makes it easy to raise your voice.

4. Become A Monthly Donor: While the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue for a long time, your monthly gift today will help provide a meal tomorrow. Our monthly donors receive special swag & communications throughout the year to keep you up-to-date on what’s happening behind the scenes of our organization while also highlighting your support and impact. With a small gift of $25 each month, you can help us feed more than 750 people in need.

Help us take action during September, Hunger Action Month, as we come together as one, to help fight hunger and provide meals for those in need.

Links:

• Wanna host a food drive? We can help!
• Hold a Fundraiser and Keep Us MOVING
• Become an Advocate Against Hunger