September is Hunger Action Month

Three Food Bank Employees to Take CalFresh Challenge September 15-21

WATSONVILLE — Anti-hunger advocates from Santa Cruz County and across the country will be wearing orange on September 5th in an effort to raise awareness of the more than 50 million people in the US facing hunger—including 16.7 million children. It’s just one of the many awareness events taking place throughout the month in recognition of Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month—a campaign to help end hunger in our country.

Here in Santa Cruz County, one in four children are hungry or malnourished and approximately 54,000 people receive food assistance each month from Second Harvest through its network of 200 agencies and programs.

Events Summary

The CalFresh Challenge encourages participants to experience what life is like for millions of low-income Americans facing hunger. Second Harvest CalFresh Outreach Workers, Luisa, Sandra and Yaceth will take the CalFresh Challenge the week of September 15. Their food budget for the week will be based on the average CalFresh benefit, which is $4.50 per person per day for all food and beverages. They will be sharing their experiences daily on our blog page, which we encourage you to read and share with your community.

We will post healthy recipes our web site every week prepared within the CalFresh budget. Also, be sure to look for the Hunger Action Month orange banner hanging on Main Street in Watsonville beginning September 9th.Throughout the month, anti-hunger advocates will be attending city council meetings and speaking with the County Board of Supervisors to advocate for people facing hunger.

Founded in 1972, Second Harvest Food Bank was the first food bank in California and the second in the nation. For every $1 dollar donated, Second Harvest provides four meals. Second Harvest has four-star rating from Charity Navigator in recognition of our effective stewardship of donated funds.

Every action and every dollar makes a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need. Working together, we build stronger communities.

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For more info: www.thefoodbank.org