Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month. Founded in 2008 by Feeding America, this campaign serves as a call to action to address food insecurity in our country — and dedicate ourselves to a solution.

MFAN is an organization that is committed to understanding and responding to food insecurity in the military community. Through years of research and convening a peer-led network, we have learned that the military is a microcosm of the greater U.S. population. And like the broad swath of Americans, most military-connected families are food secure. But for those who do struggle — 24% of active duty service members according to the Department of Defense — it is incumbent upon all of us to make sure that they have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

The resources below can be used to connect families in your community with the support they need, regardless of their military affiliation.

Get Involved

• Check out our ways to get involved this Hunger Action Month. The military community is known for its drive to serve. Together we can create lasting change.
• Feeding America shares seven ways that you can participate and help to make hunger in America a thing of the past, like going orange, starting a fundraiser, donating to your local food bank, or learning the facts.

Educational webinar 

Families often find themselves in a delicate balance of wanting to provide healthy meals for their families while staying under budget. Now more than ever, knowing how to shop smart and avoid food waste is vital for your household’s wallet and health. Our webinar, “Food Matters: How to stock your pantry, build a balanced plate, and avoid waste” provide useful information for your next grocery trip, how to read nutritional labels, and advice on how to make the most of your purchases (banana bread, anyone?).

Resources to Share

Some families are facing impossible decisions, like buying food or paying rent. These programs may help:

• WIC: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a program that provides families with resources and information to help mothers and young children get a healthy start and learn how to continue to make nutritious food choices in the future.
• Free and Reduced Meals: The USDA provides funding to ensure that all children have access to healthy meals that help them focus on learning during the school day. Contact your school for more information and make sure to take advantage of the Community Eligibility Program if it is offered in your community. School meals are the healthiest meals of the day! 
• Find Your Food Pantry: If you or someone you know needs additional help, Feeding America’s resource can connect you with your local food bank, provide details about upcoming free food distributions, and help you apply for national food programs like SNAP and WIC.