In honor of Hunger Action Month, which takes place every September, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and Feeding Texas are teaming up to raise awareness of food insecurity and encourage Texans to take action in support of their neighbors facing hunger.
Hunger Action Month is a nationwide awareness campaign that takes place every September to encourage people to take action to end hunger in their communities. During this time, local food banks and anti-hunger advocates work to bring attention to the issue of food insecurity and gather support for solutions. Hunger Action Day falls on Sept. 29.
According to the latest Map the Meal Gap study, 19.4% of Texans, or nearly 1 in 5 people, experience food insecurity today, meaning they lack consistent access to enough food to lead an active, healthy life.
“For more than two decades, TDA and Texas food banks have worked side by side to ensure nutritious food reaches families in every corner of the Lone Star State,” said Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner. “During Hunger Action Month, I encourage Texans to support their local food banks by volunteering, donating and raising awareness. When Texans come together, we can strengthen our communities and make sure our neighbors have the resources they need.”
Feeding Texas and TDA have a long-standing partnership aimed at combating hunger, improving health and supporting Texas agr icultural producers through programs such as Texans Feeding Texans, Summer Meal Programs and USDA Commodity Distribution Programs.
TDA adm inisters The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).
Food banks serve as distribution partners, leveraging their infrastructure and statewide networks to reach communities across Texas.
These programs help strengthen the charitable food system, support Texas agriculture, and connect families with healthy food resources during periods of economic hardship, natural disasters and other unexpected challenges.
Throughout September, Feeding Texas and its network of 20 food banks encourage Texans to participate in Hunger Action Month by volunteering at a local food bank or food pantry, wearing orange to raise visibility for hunger, talking with friends, family members and colleagues about food insecurity in Texas, donating funds or food to support local hunger- relief efforts,
and sharing stories and resources on social media using # HungerAction Month. Texans seeking assistance can find their local food bank at SquareMeals.org or by using the locator tool at FeedingTexas.org.