Central Florida residents are invited to join a community‑wide effort to combat hunger on Hunger Action Day, observed Tuesday, Sept. 29. The day is part of Hunger Action Month, a national campaign launched by the Feeding America network to raise awareness and inspire concrete steps to end hunger across the United States.

Local impact of hunger

According to Greg Higgerson, chief development officer at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, more than 649,000 people in the region are currently experiencing food insecurity. “One in seven of our neighbors finds it necessary to seek assistance with food at some point during the year,” Higgerson told WESH 2 News. “The really heartbreaking part is that one in five kids under eighteen needs that kind of help.”

Higgerson emphasized that many families seeking aid are working, often holding multiple jobs. “Our emergency food pantry partners tell us that the people who are coming to them are usually between two jobs,” he said.

How to help

Second Harvest Food Bank outlined several ways residents can make an immediate difference:

• Donate food or funds: Monetary contributions allow the agency to purchase fresh produce, meat and dairy that meet nutritional standards for families.
• Volunteer at distribution sites: Volunteers help sort, pack and deliver food boxes to partner pantries and shelters.
• Partner with local businesses: Employers can organize workplace food drives or match employee donations.
• Spread the word: Sharing information about Hunger Action Day on social media raises awareness and encourages community involvement.

Second Harvest also encourages residents to sign up for the agency’s volunteer portal and to consider becoming a monthly donor, which provides a reliable stream of resources for families facing chronic hunger.

Why the focus now?

September traditionally sees a rise in demand for food assistance as school‑year expenses increase and families stretch limited budgets. By concentrating efforts during Hunger Action Month, the organization hopes to address the seasonal surge and build lasting support networks for those most vulnerable.

Hunger Action Day serves as a reminder that ending hunger is not a distant goal but a daily responsibility for neighbors, churches, schools and businesses alike. As Higgerson noted, “Think about one in seven – those are the people we see every day, working hard, trying to provide for their families. We can all play a part in ensuring they have enough to eat.”

For more details on how to get involved, watch the full interview with WESH 2 News anchor Michelle Imperato at the top of the original story.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.