Minnesotans Urged to Take Action Against Hunger in September

Make an impact by donating time or money or by creating awareness

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Sep 01, 2015, 09:30 ET

SAINT PAUL, Minn., Sept. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Second Harvest Heartland, one of the nation's largest, most efficient and most innovative food banks, is encouraging Minnesotans to join in the fight 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. Here in Minnesota, it has never been easier to help the 1 in 10 Minnesotans who remain at risk of hunger.

Throughout September, Minnesotans can help Second Harvest Heartland secure an additional $100,000 by simply donating time or money. As part of its Double Down Challenge, Bremer Bank will donate $5 to Second Harvest Heartland for every volunteer hour donated, up to a total of 10,000 hours or $50,000. In addition, UnitedHealthcare will match financial donations dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000. With $100,000, Second Harvest Heartland can provide more than 300,000 meals to our hungry neighbors in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

There are dozens of additional ways to support Second Harvest Heartland throughout the month of September as well. Thursday, September 3, is Hunger Action Day, and members of the community are encouraged to "Go Orange," which is the color representing hunger relief. By wearing orange, lighting your home or business orange, or dedicating your Facebook or Twitter page, everyone can help build awareness. Starting at dusk that evening, Minneapolis' 35W and Lowry Avenue bridges will be lit orange.

Minnesotans can also participate in the Minneapolis Institute of Art's Third Thursday event on September 17, the Deschutes Brewery Street Pub on September 19, and Canstruction® on September 26 at the Mall of America.

For their part, the Cities of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Golden Valley, and Maplewood will show their support by officially proclaiming September as Hunger Action Month.

"There is no act of kindness too small when it comes to helping our hungry neighbors, and during the month of September even the smallest effort can have a truly significant impact," said Rob Zeaske, chief executive officer of Second Harvest Heartland.

To participate in the Double Down 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 2014, we delivered more than 74 million meals to over 1,000 food shelves, pantries and other 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.