Feeding Westchester urges community support

September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide call to fight food insecurity. While Westchester is home to some of the wealthiest communities in America, some estimates show that 39 percent of households are struggling to put food on their tables—a staggering reminder that the rising cost of living, soaring food prices, and historic cuts to federal safety net programs are pushing more families to the brink.

“People across the country have demonstrated immense care for their neighbors in crisis time and time again, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “Ending the hunger crisis in America is no different. This Hunger Action Month, our hope for the nation is to start building a new reality together, through unified action toward a shared vision of a hunger-free America.”

Feeding Westchester officials said the crisis is urgent, citing statistics that more than 47 million Americans—including 14 million children—now face hunger, the highest level in over a decade. In Westchester, thousands of children are returning to school without the proper nutrition they need to focus, learn, and thrive, the organization said.

“With deep cuts to SNAP ahead, we’re incredibly concerned for Westchester residents—including children, single parents, veterans, working families, and seniors—who don't know where their next meal is coming from,” said Tami Wilson, COO of Feeding Westchester. “As children head back to school, it is doubly important that we provide them with the nutrition they need to reach their full potential. Hunger is a crisis we can solve—if we act together, and act now.”

In honor of Hunger Action Month, longtime supporter Debbie Newman Bernstein will match donations made in September up to $50,000. The Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge will be illuminated orange on Sept. 12, and on Sept. 30, the “Hungry to Learn” panel, The Impact of Childhood Hunger in Westchester & Innovative Solutions to Address It, will take place at Feeding Westchester, 200 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford.

For a full list of Hunger Action Month events and to learn more, visit feedingwestchester.org.

Article courtesy of Feeding Westchester