This September marked the commencement of the 17th annual Hunger Action Month campaign, initiated by Feeding America. The national campaign instituted with the goal of mobilizing communities into action and spreading awareness on individuals facing food insecurity.
In observance of this movement the South Texas Food Bank organized and hosted a variety of special events to celebrate throughout the month. The food bank launched their festivities with a Hunger Action Month proclamation in order to formally recognized the campaign in their service areas, starting with Webb County represented by Judge Tano Tijerina and the City of Laredo, where the food bank is headquartered, represented by Dr Mayor Victor Trevino. Additional proclamations were held in Zapata, Maverick, Jim Hogg, and Kinney counties, allowing for increased awareness of the campaign throughout the South Texas region.
Guest organizations and their respective mascots volunteered with the Food bank during their weekly Adopt-A-Family distributions. Enabling our community partners to show their support for the movement and incorporate awareness and festivity through shared laughs and memories among the food bank’s neighbors, volunteers, and staff.
Joining in on the celebration was, Chick-Fil-A Marketplace, Imagine Dental, H-E-B, Laredo Heat, Los Tecolotes De Dos Laredos, and Texas Roadhouse.
Lastly, the South Texas Food Bank welcomed a variety of community and corporate volunteers who helped drive action and celebrate the month-long movement. September 10th was Hunger Action Volunteer Day where the food bank promoted awareness by wearing their food bank colors and had community members join in on a day of volunteerism. Consistent with community involvement the food bank also welcomed a variety of corporate volunteers, such as Starbucks who volunteered and adopted families; and H-E-B, who volunteered and generously celebrated HAM and strides the efforts of the food bank employees with a special luncheon.
Through these combined efforts the South Texas Food Bank incited action and spread awareness during another successful Hunger Action Month celebrated throughout the South Texas region. •