Join Second Harvest Heartland in Taking Action Against Hunger

September is Hunger Action Month; September 4 is Hunger Action Day

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Sep 03, 2014, 11:15 ET

SAINT PAUL, Minn., Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Second Harvest Heartland, one of the nation's largest, most efficient and most innovative food banks, is encouraging Minnesotans to join it in taking action against hunger during the month of September, which is Hunger Action Month. Hunger Action Month is a nationwide effort by the Feeding America Network of food banks to actively engage individuals in the fight to end hunger.

Throughout September, Second Harvest Heartland is asking its supporters to double their impact on hunger by volunteering at the food bank. As part of Bremer Bank's Double Down Challenge, Bremer is donating $5 to Second Harvest Heartland for every volunteer hour donated, up to a total of 10,000 hours or $50,000.

Also during the month of September, the Taste of the NFL®, 100.3 KFAN and The Minnesota Vikings are hosting the Kick Hunger Challenge® Radio Competition between the four announced Super Bowl cities as part of a national effort to raise $400,000 for hunger relief. Minnesotans are urged to make a donation in the name of the Minnesota Vikings through www.KFAN.com to benefit Second Harvest Heartland. 100 percent of donations made in the name of the Vikings through this competition will be distributed to Second Harvest Heartland.

Through its "30 Ways in 30 Days" calendar, Second Harvest Heartland is asking individuals and organizations to find one way for each day in September to help fight hunger. Examples of ways to get involved include taking a tour of Second Harvest Heartland, hosting a bag lunch with co-workers and donating the money you would have spent at a restaurant to Second Harvest Heartland, or participating in a virtual food and fund drive.

For their part, in an effort to support Hunger Action Month, the Cities of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Golden Valley, Maplewood, and Vadnais Heights are all officially proclaiming September as Hunger Action Month.

On September 4, Hunger Action Day, members of the community are "Going Orange," which is the color representing hunger relief, by wearing orange, lighting their home or business orange, dedicating their Facebook or Twitter page, or handing out oranges. Starting at dusk that evening, Minneapolis' 35W and Lowry Avenue bridges will be lit orange.

According to Rob Zeaske, chief executive officer of Second Harvest Heartland, Hunger Action Month is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those who are hungry in our community. "There is simply no effort too small when it comes to helping to end hunger. If we all come together during the month of September, we can and will ensure more of our hungry neighbors have the healthy and nutritious food they need."

To participate in the Double Down Challenge or the Kick Hunger Challenge or for more information about Hunger Action Month and how to get involved in the fight against hunger, visit 2harvest.org/ham.

About Second Harvest Heartland
Second Harvest Heartland is one of the nation's largest, most efficient and most innovative food banks. In 2013, we delivered more than 65 million meals to nearly 1,000 food shelves, pantries and other agency partner programs serving 59 counties in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Second Harvest Heartland helps relieve hunger not only by sourcing, warehousing and distributing food, but through data-driven thought leadership and community partnerships that help improve the region's larger hunger relief system. For more information, visit 2harvest.org or call 651.484.5117.