Did you know that September is Hunger Action Month? Feeding America and Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry want to raise awareness of the problem that 1 in 7 Americans struggle with hunger. You can help! Parents and grandparents are encouraged to educate their families on the impacts of hunger and take action through advocacy, volunteering, or donating. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america.

Locally, this is your opportunity to join a movement that has a real and lasting impact on our effort to feed more Polk County residents in need than ever before. Outreach is asking local families to step up during Hunger Action Month to volunteer in the pantry or make donations of food (please no glass jars). Your contribution can be dropped off Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. – noon at 134 White Drive in Columbus.

We have also partnered with Polk County Schools to see which classroom can collect the most canned food items from September 19-30, 2016. The classroom in each school that collects the most food by weight will win a biscuit breakfast in October!

Finally, our second annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser will be held Saturday, September 24 from 4-7 p.m. at Parker-Binns Vineyard. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to purchase food for local individuals and families struggling with hunger. To purchase tickets for Empty Bowls, please visit tboutreach.org.