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Second Harvest seeks help during Hunger Action Month

By BOB COUPLAND

Staff writer

YOUNGSTOWN — The executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank is reaching out to residents of the Mahoning Valley to help end hunger by volunteering or holding fundraisers as part Hunger Action Month in September.

Michael Iberis said in the Mahoning Valley, more than 85,000 people struggle with hunger and many do not know where they will find their next meal.

Iberis said food banks across the nation, are joining the effort.

He said hunger affects many people, including families who are working full-time and part-time and struggling to put food on the table.

Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley joins Feeding America food banks across the country to take part in Hunger Action Month and inspire people to take action and raise awareness of the fact that 40 million Americans, including 12.5 million children and 5.5 million seniors, are food insecure.

“Hunger Action Month helps to raise awareness that 1 in 6 adults and 1 in 4             children in Columbi- ana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties do not know where their next meal is coming from.

“Volunteering, hosting a food drive or fundraiser, making a monetary donation — every action counts, especially now,” Iberis said.

Iberis said last year’s campaign collected enough food to feed 16,000 people in the Mahoning Valley.

Iberis noted that during the summer, the summer food-service program helped make sure local children had nutritious food when school was not in session.

Ways local residents can help take part in feeding people are by hosting a food drive / fundraiser by calling 330-792-5522; making a donation as $1 provides six meals; or wear orange clothes on Thursday and share photos on Facebook and Instagram @SHFMV.

“People can come up with any fundraising idea or even offer to volunteer at the food bank,” Iberis said.

He said at the end of the year, especially at the holidays. there is an increase in people needing food. He said every box of rice, can of soup or bag of beans makes a difference. Armstrong Cable in North Lima has launched its second annual Avenge Hunger Month campaign, encouraging Mahoning Valley residents to donate food to their local food pantry or Armstrong office.

Officials with the company said its goal is to collect 60,000 pounds of food as part of the Avenge Hunger Month campaign, which is being held until Oct. 4.

In 2018, the company collected nearly 50,000 pounds of food to help with 200 community feeding programs.

Officials said they are happy to contribute to the cause and help make a difference in the community.

Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, a member of Feeding America, provides food to those in need in the tri-county area through 160 programs provided by hunger-relief organizations, which include church pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, shelters for battered women and after-school programs.

In 2018, the Food Bank distributed more than 10 million pounds of food, including 3 million pounds of produce.

For more information, visit www.mahoningvalleysecondharvest.org or call 330-792-5522.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com

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