In a country that wastes billions of pounds of food each year, it’s almost shocking that anyone in America goes hungry. Yet every day, millions of our neighbors don’t get the food they need to live healthy lives. In fact, according to the USDA, more than 34 million people, including 9 million children, in the United States are food insecure.
Hunger Action Month
Feeding America and its network of 200 local food banks and more than 60,000 food pantries and meal programs are working tirelessly to end hunger. The month of September is recognized In an effort to raise awareness of hunger in the U.S., Feeding America recognizes September as Hunger Action Month. More importantly, throughout September, there is special attention paid to inspiring people to take action to end hunger.
As part of Hunger Action Month, Feeding America has designated September 23rd as Hunger Action Day. As it is not enough to just raise awareness about hunger but to acknowledge that the time is now to take action and end hunger.
Taking Action in Dublin, Ohio
For over 46 years, the Dublin Food Pantry has been providing food, hygiene products, and resources to individuals and families in our community experiencing food insecurity and hunger. The pantry serves residents of the City of Dublin and Dublin City Schools District who are spread across eight zip codes and three counties.
Hunger continues to grow in our community and is much more prevalent than many realize. In fact, more than 4,700 households live on less than $35,000 annually in our community and nearly 16% of Dublin students are considered economically disadvantaged.
Currently, the pantry is serving an average of 2,500 individuals and families each month, with a monthly average of 600 households, 300 seniors, 900 children, and 1,300 adults receiving services from the DFP. And the fact is that we believe we are serving only about 25% of the families and individuals in need. With a 92% increase in Dublin neighbors served by the Pantry since 2019, the need is greater than ever and it continues to grow.
Working to #FeedDublin
In order to meet the growing needs of our neighbors, the DFP has launched a $3 million comprehensive capital campaign to purchase and renovate a larger, more accessible facility at 6608 Dublin Center Drive from which to serve the community.
The new facility will allow us to expand our outreach, partner with other local nonprofit organizations to have resources in-house that are tailored to our neighbor’s needs, grow fresh produce through our garden, and allow our choice pantry to greatly expand.
Take Action Now
We encourage you to join us in wearing orange on Friday, September 23rd, for Hunger Action Day, to raise awareness and inspire others to donate. And because EVERY donation counts, please DONATE TODAY and share our campaign to end hunger with friends and family.
Together, we can ensure that in Dublin, #EveryoneEatsHere.