As USDA Reports Significant Increase in Food Insecurity, Eastern Illinois Foodbank Asks Community to Take Action During Hunger Action Month

For Immediate Release

URBANA, IL – September 5, 2024 – In this year’s Household Food Security report, the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) found that 13.5% of U.S. households were food insecure in 2023—a significant increase over the previous year. During Hunger Action Month^® this September, Eastern Illinois Foodbank (EIF) joins Feeding America and other network member food banks to inspire people to take action and raise awareness of the increasing rate of food insecurity.

As the food pantries and programs in EIF’s 18-county network are currently serving 90% more people than in 2022, community support is more vital than ever for the foodbank. “A historic amount of our neighbors are experiencing food insecurity, and EIF isn’t immune to the same rising costs that are straining the budgets of so many local families,” said Foodbank President & CEO Kelly Daly. “We know that more than 134,000 of our neighbors are facing hunger, and that the continued success of our mission of alleviating hunger in eastern Illinois is only possible with the support of our community. The need may be great, but this community is greater.”

During the month of September, people across eastern Illinois can get involved in the movement by learning, committing, and speaking up about ways to end hunger.

Donate – Visit https://www.eifoodbank.org/impact/news/events/hunger-action-month.html to donate to the Million Meal Challenge. Every $1 donated provides three meals to a neighbor experiencing hunger.
Volunteer – Sign up to repack food for local families at the annual Operation Orange volunteer event at https://www.mobilize.us/eifoodbank/event/669671/, and visit www.eifoodbank.org/action/volunteer to find upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Raise Awareness – Wear orange on Tuesday, September 10 for Hunger Action Day to raise awareness of hunger. Post photos on social media and tag @eifoodbank.

September marks the 17^th year Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, has organized the annual call to action. This year’s campaign highlights the impact of food on people’s lives, and shows how food goes beyond nourishing the body—when people are fed, futures are nourished.

“We can end hunger in the U.S. when we decide to work together with coordinated action and a shared belief that everyone deserves fresh, nutritious food,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “This year during Hunger Action Month, we are encouraging everyone to take action. Raise your voice. Volunteer. Donate. Our individual actions may seem small, but together they become a powerful movement that can change history.”

Learn more about how you can take action by visiting eifoodbank.org.