Hunger Action Month
Hunger Action Month
What is Hunger Action Month?
Hunger Action Month is a nationwide awareness and advocacy push to inspire people to take action towards hunger and food insecurity. This year, we’re shining a light on the cost of a meal and the difficult choices families face between nutritious food on the table and covering housing, healthcare, transportation or other basic needs. Join us in supporting solutions that expand economic security and make it accessible for all.
What causes Food Insecurity
When families do not earn enough to consistently cover both food and other basic needs, they can experience food insecurity. Income stability, affordable housing and accessible healthcare are the primary drivers of food insecurity. The current challenge most families face today is the rising costs of basic needs despite being employed. Unfortunately, nutritious foods is often the first expense families compromise on.
Hope In Action
Calendar of Events
Take the Tough Choices Challenge
Scenario: You are a family of four. You and your spouse are the parents to Sarah who is 9 years old and in the 4th grade, and Bryan who is 3. You work full-time as a warehouse worker and make $12/hour ($1,920 gross/month). Your spouse works as a personal care aid for $10.50/hr where Sarah goes to school. Your spouse makes $10.5/hour ($1,680 gross/month). Your family’s combined total income each month is $3,600, which is about $30,600 per year after taxes. Can you make necessary life decisions on housing, transportation, childcare and household/food needs — and not to run out of money? Take the challenge.
Now, imagine an emergency happened.
Your family has no health insurance:
Average cost of emergency room visit in Texas is $2,318.
Average emergency root canal is $1,000.
Vehicle emergency:
You have a car accident. You have a $500 deductible.
Your alternator goes out, average cost $800.
Tough choices is an everyday experience
Families usually budget for hard costs first like rent, utilities, transportation, communication and childcare because they have to be paid in full. This leaves the remaining amount for food which pushes families into food insecurity, the lack of sufficient nutritious foods. High housing costs, low wages and limited healthcare are root causes of food insecurity and can cost families meals. Together, we can take action to advocate for #changeforbetterlives.
Thank you to our Corporate Volunteer Groups.
