FORT PIERCE —̶ The stark reality of hunger has never been clearer than this year with the effects of COVID-19 on the Treasure Coast where unemployment hovers at 10 percent and as many as one in four people are food-insecure.

This September, Treasure Coast Food Bank joins Feeding America food banks nationwide to take part in Hunger Action Month to inspire people to take action and bring attention to that reality.

“Hunger didn’t start with the pandemic, but it’s certainly made it worse and driven home just how many families are one paycheck away from needing help,” said Judith Cruz, President and CEO of Treasure Coast Food Bank. “This year, we’ve seen unprecedented need not only among those just scraping by, in people whose hours were cut or whose businesses closed seeking help for the first time, people with health issues trying to stay safe, and in children who usually rely on school cafeterias. For us, Hunger Action Month is every month. Let’s start a tradition of taking action in September and every month to come.”

There are numerous ways to take action. Treasure Coast Food Bank has prepared a Hunger Action Month calendar listing 30 ways in 30 days to fight hunger, which can be downloaded from its website, stophunger.org/HAM.

“We’re asking everyone to take action this month and in the months to come,” Cruz said. “Volunteer if you’re able, follow and share our message on social media, and donate because asking for help isn’t easy, but helping can be.”

About Treasure Coast Food Bank
Treasure Coast Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization on Florida’s Treasure Coast, providing the community each year with millions of meals valued at more than $50 million through robust programs and in partnership with 400 charitable organizations in Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties.