National Hunger Action Month takes place in September. Hunger is an issue spread throughout the world, impacting billions. Your neighbors, your community members, and your co-workers could be affected. Hunger affects a large percentage of people within the U.S.

For 1 in 6 Americans, hunger is a reality. Many people believe that the problems associated with hunger are confined to small pockets of society, certain areas of the country, or certain neighborhoods, but the reality is much different. Hunger often affects hard-working adults, children and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are forced to go without food for several meals, or even days.

National Hunger Action Month educates the public that, since 2001, hunger among Americans aged 50 and older has jumped almost 80 percent. In the United States, more than 1 out of 6 children lives in a household with food insecurity, which means they do not always know where they will find their next meal.

What can you do?

• Spread the word.
• Collect food for local food banks.
• Increase awareness.
• Volunteer at your local food shelter.