September is Hunger Action Month — a national awareness and advocacy campaign led by the Feeding America network of food banks that encourages a united response across the country to end hunger. During the month-long campaign, Foodlink and our partner food banks will be raising awareness and inspiring action among our supporters.

Every action counts, whether it’s donating, advocating, volunteering or spreading the word.

How does food insecurity impact the Rochester region? In Foodlink’s 10-county service area, consider the following statistics:

• There are more than 150,000 food-insecure individuals living in the region, according to the latest available data from 2022.
• There is a direct correlation between Rochester’s high poverty rates and high levels of food insecurity. The city is home to 2 of the 10 most food-insecure zip codes in all of New York State (14605 & 14608).
• Foodlink’s data show that when comparing the first six months of 2024 vs. 2023, visits to food pantries and meal programs increased 35%. 
• Food insecurity does not impact everyone equally. If you are Black or Hispanic, you are more than 3x more likely to be food insecure in Foodlink’s service area.

The public is encouraged to donate, volunteer and/or advocate during the month of September.

Take a look at Foodlink’s revised Advocacy Agenda to peek at some of the priority areas our team is focused on in the year ahead.

The agenda includes the following statement: “We will leverage our resources as a food bank and community leader to work collaboratively with movements, organizations, and policymakers to end poverty in our region … The pursuit of equity guides our work, and we will center community members impacted by food insecurity in everything we do.”

On the federal level, anti-hunger advocates are looking ahead to the Farm Bill — a massive piece of legislation that informs many of our nation’s most critical anti-hunger programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Feeding America: Petition to pass a strong Farm Bill in 2024!

“We can end hunger in the U.S. when we decide to work together with coordinated action and a shared belief that everyone deserves fresh, nutritious food,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “This year during Hunger Action Month, we are encouraging everyone to take action. Raise your voice. Volunteer. Donate. Our individual actions may seem small, but together they become a powerful movement that can change history.”