Author: Chris Houglum, Philanthropy Director

What does it mean to take action? Is it lending a hand, sharing a meal, volunteering, making a donation? Yes, it’s all of those, and more. Our neighbors are counting on us all to take action when life happens—when gas and groceries are high and rent is even higher. If you’re reading this, you’re a person of action. You believe in a community that cares for its own and declares hunger is unacceptable. September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort that plays out locally to shine a spotlight on the realities of hunger in our communities. For the third year in a row, our generous friends at Gesa Credit Union have stepped up as our presenting sponsor of Hunger Action Month and invite you to put your values into action to help people facing hunger.

Throughout September, Gesa will generously match every donation up to $25,000. You can also make an impact by becoming a Feed365 monthly donor, signing up for a volunteer activity at either of our Hunger Solution Centers, holding a food drive at your place of business or church, advocating at local and national levels with elected officials, and even consider including Second Harvest in your will through our Kay Porta Legacy Society. However you put your values into action, the important bit is that you act. Kay Porta, Second Harvest’s founder and namesake of our legacy society did just that 51 years ago, and thanks to her action and the hands and hearts of compassionate community doers, thousands in our communities have food and hope when times are uncertain.

Often there’s just more month than there are dollars available to meet life’s necessities. Your action can make the difference for neighbors who are facing the impossible choice of buying food or paying for other crucial needs like gas, medicine, housing, or child care. Thanks to you, food doesn’t have to be a trade-off and household resources can be stretched.

Gesa has been a committed partner in hunger relief for 12 years and in that time has shared enough support to provide food for more than 1.1 million meals. Gesa staff and members regularly volunteer their time, collect food, and donate funds. People helping people. It’s as simple as that. This Hunger Action Month, all September long, please take action and invite a friend to join you in making a difference. Together, we are making a real impact.