Every September, communities across the country unite for Hunger Action Month – a nationwide movement to raise awareness and inspire action to end hunger. This September, the Greater Chicago Food Depository is hosting events, campaigns and opportunities for you to get involved and help ensure every neighbor has access to food.
Right now, one in five households in our community is experiencing food insecurity. That means thousands of families are forced to make difficult choices every day between paying for groceries, rent or medical bills. Rising costs of living continue to squeeze already-tight budgets, making it harder for many to put nutritious meals on the table.
At Irving Park Community Food Pantry, a guest connects with a volunteer while receiving groceries.
Food insecurity isn’t limited to one neighborhood or one group of people – it exists in every community across Cook County. Hunger Action Month is a reminder of what’s possible when we come together as a community: with enough awareness, compassion and action, we can ensure that food is available for every neighbor.
Ways you can make an impact
Volunteer. Volunteers are essential to making sure food reaches our community. Whether it’s packing and sorting groceries at the Food Depository or helping distribute fresh produce at local sites, your time helps ensure children, families and older adults have meals they can count on.
A volunteer helps repackage bulk groceries at the Food Depository, preparing them to be distributed to pantries and community sites across Cook County.
Give. Right now, your gift goes twice as far thanks to a $162,000 matching on behalf of several valued corporate sponsors. Every dollar helps stock shelves at food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters across Cook County while also supporting long-term solutions to hunger.
Host a virtual food drive. Rally your family, friends and coworkers to support neighbors facing hunger. A virtual food drive makes an immediate impact by putting food where it’s needed most.
Advocate. Ending hunger requires systemic change. Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), school meals and other nutrition supports are a lifeline for millions of people. When you sign up at our Advocacy Action Center, we provide easy ways to contact your elected officials, share your story and urge leaders to protect and strengthen these vital programs so every neighbor has access to the food they need.
Advocates traveled to Washington, D.C., to urge lawmakers to protect and strengthen programs like SNAP and school meals, ensuring every neighbor has access to nutritious food.
Show your support. On Hunger Action Day, September 9, and all month long, wear orange, the color of Hunger Action Month, to symbolize solidarity and raise awareness about hunger. Share your photos on social media with the hashtag #HungerActionMonth to spread the word.
Dine out for good. Through the Food Depository’s annual 86 HUNGER campaign, more than 40 Chicago restaurants are donating a portion of sales from a featured menu item. When you order, you’re helping to take hunger off the menu in our community.
Spotlight: Chef Dominique Leach
One of the chefs participating in 86 HUNGER this year is Dominique Leach, owner of Lexington Betty Smokehouse in the Pullman neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side. Born and raised in Chicago, Leach is a nationally recognized pitmaster and the Season 4 champion of Food Network’s BBQ Brawl.
Chef Dominique Leach, owner of Lexington Betty Smokehouse, is participating in the Food Depository’s 86 HUNGER campaign to help take hunger off the menu in Chicago.
“As a chef and small business owner, I believe food brings people together and lifts up our community,” Leach said.
“Food has the power to nourish and connect us, and that’s why Lexington Betty is proud to be part of the 86 HUNGER campaign as its first South Side partner. By serving a dish we love, we can also serve our neighbors who need it most.”
Funds raised through 86 HUNGER help the Food Depository provide fresh produce, shelf-stable groceries and prepared meals to neighbors across Chicago and Cook County.
A year-round commitment
In addition to Hunger Action Month, the Food Depository collaborates with businesses throughout the year to raise funds that promote food access in Chicago and Cook County. Partners such as Jeni’s Ice Creams and Connect Roasters donate a portion of their proceeds to the Food Depository year-round, while businesses like the Life Time Turkey Trot and Affy Tapple have provided longstanding support at annual events.
These collaborations demonstrate that ending hunger isn’t limited to one month on the calendar – it’s a collective, ongoing commitment. Together, with the help of local businesses and community members, we can create lasting change and ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food.
Visit chicagosfoodbank.org/hunger-action-month to learn more and take action to end hunger today.
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