Food for Thought: What is Hunger Action Month – and More Importantly, Why Should You Care? 

Every September, nonprofit hunger relief organizations across the country recognize Hunger Action Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about hunger and the people experiencing it in our communities.  

For many Missourians, the natural thought response might be:  

“I have food, so that has nothing to do with me.” 

That’s actually what I’d like to talk to you about today.  

You may not be food insecure, but it still has something to do with you. Hear me out. 

What does Hunger Look Like? 

If I tell you I’m getting ‘hangry’, we all understand the assignment. Hannah needs to take a break and eat lunch because she’s getting irritable and impatient. Maybe you think of those Snickers commercials – you know, because you’re not yourself when you’re hungry.  

But what comes to mind when we talk about hunger in the context of food banks and food pantries? 

Maybe you think hunger only exists in large cities with a higher cost of living. Maybe you think it only affects people whose lives look very different from your own. 

You’re not alone. 

Hunger is often thought of as an “over there” problem. It’s not in my community. Not in my school. Not in my workplace. Not in my church. Not in my friend group.  

Maybe you’re doing well for yourself and have climbed the ladder of relative success, and you think hunger only affects “those people” and not anyone you know. 

That’s where many of us get it wrong.  

Hunger is Closer Than We Think 

Most of us don’t realize how close hunger can be to home.  

The truth is, you often have no idea when someone is experiencing hunger.  

That may be because our culture associates hunger with poverty, and poverty carries a great deal of stigma. We don’t want to be poor—plain and simple. And we certainly don’t want others to know when we’re struggling, whether that’s keeping our homes stocked with nutritious food for ourselves, our children, our spouse, our parents, or anyone else who depends on us. 

Being able to provide for those we care about includes providing food.  

And that’s something nearly everyone can agree has become more expensive since COVID.  

People who previously didn’t pay much attention to grocery prices are now keeping a running total in their heads as they shop. 

Some families are making substitutions they never expected to make. 

Others are buying less. 

Others are skipping items altogether. 

For some, that may mean trading our premium products for less expensive options, so their family still gets the nutrition they need. 

For a single parent on a lower income, that may mean eating less or skipping meals to ensure a child has enough food. 

For a senior on a fixed income, that might mean choosing between groceries and medication. 

Like many Missouri families, we’ve watched groceries, housing, utilities, and everyday expenses climb while our paychecks haven’t stretched quite as far. What once felt manageable now requires more planning, more budgeting, and more difficult choices.  

And I know I’m not alone. 

Hunger doesn’t fit neatly into any of our stereotypes.  

We All Need Help Sometimes 

Quite frankly, there is no shame in using resources when you need them.  

Life happens. 

Unexpected expenses happen. 

Medical bills happen. 

Layoffs happen. 

Car repairs happen. 

And sometimes, those things happen all at once. 

If the day comes when you are wondering how you are going to stock your fridge after an unexpected expense drains your savings, know that there is a Feeding Missouri food bank in your region ready to help connect you with resources and support.  

If you need help feeding your family, help is available. 

I get it; I’ve been there. 

More recently than I’d like to admit.  

Life is full of difficult times, and better seasons. Feeding Missouri is grateful to be part of a network of food banks that can help people navigate those difficult seasons when they arise. 

Because the truth is simple: We all need help sometimes. 

Why Should Missourians Care? 

Hunger Action Month was created to bring attention to an issue that often goes unnoticed. 

 Food insecurity affects every community in Missouri every single day. Full stop. 

September gives us an opportunity to slow down and talk about it openly.  

No guilt. No shame. No division. No politics.  

Just understanding and compassion.  

Before we can work together to solve the problem, we need to understand it.  

Missouri is strong because we show up for one another.  

Whether you live in a rural community in southeast Missouri, a growing community in central Missouri, or a large metropolitan area, our communities are stronger when our neighbors have the resources they need to succeed. 

After all: 

• Children learn better when they are appropriately nourished. Heck, adults do too! 

• Seniors are healthier when they have reliable access to nutritious foods.  

• Families are more stable when they don’t have to choose between food and basic needs. 

• Communities thrive when neighbors support neighbors. 

That’s why I’m going to say it again: Reducing hunger isn’t just about food.  

It’s about showing up, showing out, and supporting healthier families, stronger communities, and a stronger MO.  

How You Can Help 

Good news! Everyone has a role to play. 

You don’t have to solve hunger to make a difference.  

You can: 

• Volunteer at a local food bank or pantry. 

• Donate food. 

• Make a financial contribution. 

• Advocate for hunger-relief efforts. 

• Help a neighbor access resources. 

• Share information and raise awareness. 

Every single contribution matters. 

When enough people do a little, it adds up to something truly impactful. 

Join the Conversation 

Hunger Action Month isn’t about guilt.  

It’s not about politics.  

It’s not about dividing people into “those who need help” and “those who give help.” 

It’s about recognizing that every one of us will need a helping hand at some point in life. 

This September, Feeding Missouri will be sharing stories from across our state. Stories of neighbors helping neighbors, communities coming together, and the everyday realities of hunger in Missouri. 

My hope is that these stories start conversations. 

Because hunger is not an “over there” problem. 

It’s a community issue. And our communities are strongest when people listen, learn, and show up for one another. 

I hope you’ll join the conversation. 🧡

Food for Thought Reflection: Hunger Action Month invites us to learn, engage, and take action. What’s one step you can take this month to help build a stronger, hunger-free community?

Until next time, 

Hannah Wichern
Director of Communications and Outreach
Feeding Missouri