ROCHESTER — The city has declared September as "Hunger Action Month" in conjunction with Foodlink to bring attention to the food struggles faced by many families locally.
About 51,000 people in Rochester do not know where their next meal is coming from, and one in six Americans face food insecurity, according to information from Foodlink.
City officials declared Sept. 5 as "Go Orange for Hunger Day" at Foodlink’s Mt. Read Boulevard warehouse to raise awareness not only of the hunger faced by so many in the community but also what hunger relief organizations are doing to combat the problem.
Several events are planned as part of the campaign, including a Festival of Food fundraiser that was held on Sept. 16, a display of orange lighting outside Rundel Library and a "30 ways in 30 days" calendar available at Rochester libraries and recreation centers as well a from faith-based groups to show ways to take action against hunger. Foodlink and Feeding America members also challenge individuals to live on $4.50 a day for a week, which is the budget for a recipient of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Anyone taking part in the events is asked to use social media to share their experiences. More information is available at www.foodlinkny.org.
