September is Hunger Action Month (HAM) when the Feeding America network of food banks raises awareness nationwide to mobilize the public to take action against hunger. This year, the 2016 Hunger Action Month campaign asked people to consider the universal feeling of an empty stomach, and of how on an empty stomach, we cannot reach our full potential. Icons of an empty plate and an uncharged battery were visual representations of what empty stomachs lead to hunger.
We are very grateful for the enthusiasm and ingenuity of our corporate partners that raised awareness about hunger and inspired employees and the nation to get involved. Here are some examples of how our partners supported Hunger Action Month:
CHEEKY HOME
Cheeky joined the conversation on what it means to run on an empty stomach via social media and events. They created custom HAM plates to support all of Feeding America’s paper plate activations at live events. They also provided a unique coupon to all food bank members for significantly discounted orange paper goods to use at local food bank HAM celebrations and activities.
C&S WHOLESALE GROCERS
Throughout the month of September, C&S Wholesale Grocers supported Hunger Action Month by hosting an organization-wide food drive and shared messages about food insecurity on branded plates throughout its headquarters.
THE JOY IN CHILDHOOD FOUNDATION (FORMERLY THE DUNKIN’ DONUTS & BASKIN-ROBBINS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION)/DUNKIN’ BRANDS, INC.)
The Joy in Childhood Foundation organized its annual employee volunteer event with The Greater Boston Food Bank. Additionally, on Hunger Action Day, employees conducted a “jeans day” fundraiser, captured paper plate selfies and were encouraged to take the SNAP Challenge.
GENERAL MILLS
General Mills engaged its influencer network to help spread the word about Hunger Action Month. Kits were sent to each of the influencers with Hunger Action Month themed hats for them to wear and share amongst their social networks. General Mills also donated cases of cereal to Mountaineer Food Bank on its behalf.
LAND O’LAKES
During September, Land O’Lakes contributed to Feeding America’s Hunger Blog and, in honor of Hunger Action Month, donated loads of 40,000 pounds of freshly made, low-fat, whole-grain macaroni and cheese to food banks within the Feeding America network.
PUBLIX
Publix committed $5 million to the Feeding America network this past September in honor of Hunger Action Month. It turned its corporate headquarters in Lakeland, Florida, orange by installing orange spheres in its corporate pond; each larger sphere representing a food bank in its service area and each small sphere representing an agency supported. In-store support included orange signs at the registers and check-out workers bringing awareness to Hunger Action Month. Social media support was also provided.
TLC
In conjunction with TLC's "Give A Little TLC" campaign, stars from across the network's TV programs supported Hunger Action Month in full force, including Buddy Valastro, Amy Roloff, Theresa Caputo, Whitney Way Thore, Jen Arnold, and Bill Klein. In addition to its talent taking empty plate selfies, TLC has launched a new PSA with Amy Roloff from Little People, Big World.
UNITED
During the month of September, United helped raise awareness of hunger and Hunger Action Month on all of its flights through its 2016 Eat for Good snackbox campaign. For every snackbox sold, United donated $1 throughout the entire month, up to $100,000. The campaign was promoted on United.com, in its Hemispheres magazine, and through in-flight announcements.
Together, we are making great strides toward ending hunger. We will continue to explore innovative approaches so we can have a truly lasting impact on the 46 million individuals the Feeding America network serves each year. On their behalf, we thank our partners for their support during Hunger Action Month and throughout the year.
*Nancy Curby is the interim senior vice president of development at Feeding America.