September is Hunger Action Month, a month set aside each year to spread awareness of hunger in America. This year, more than ever, this is a problem that needs attention. Because of the global pandemic and its effects, more than 54 million people may experience food insecurity in 2020.^[1] Many of these children are returning to school where they can eat breakfast and lunch, often free. Despite many states and schools re-opening, there is a significant number of students across the country staying home for virtual learning. Many parents are still unable to return to work or have lost their jobs at the beginning of the pandemic. This means as children are beginning school and families are preparing for the holiday season, they are hungry and uncertain of their next meal.

Food Insecure Homes

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduced new language to describe the severity of food insecurity in America in 2006.^[2] Using these labels, high food security means there are no reported indications of food access problems or limitations. Marginal food security occurs when there is anxiety over food sufficiency or shortage of food, yet no change in diet or food intake occurs.

Food insecurity used to be labeled simply as “without hunger” and “with hunger”. Today a home has low food security when there is reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet and there is little or no indication of reduced food intake. A home has very low food security when there is disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake.

It is likely that if you’ve never experienced food insecurity, you’ve never thought about food insecurity at all! This is why Hunger Action Month is so important.

Take Action Against Hunger

Amidst all of the obstacles 2020 has put in the way, there are still ways that you can fight hunger right from your home.

• Thank food banks responding to COVID-19 hunger
  You can send an encouraging note to a Food Bank Hero at Feeding America HERE. 
• Advocate to end hunger
  Utlizie your online platform, front lawn, balcony, or even put signs on your windows to use your voice to raise awareness and advocate for the children and adults who are hungry in America.
• Donate to organizations that support food security
  Find a local, state, or national organization that feeds the hungry, and consider donating monthly.
• Volunteer!
  Many food banks and distribution centers need volunteers such as inventory, sorting, collecting, transporting, and more.
• Support businesses that support food security
  Many businesses and corporations support food banks in goods or monetary donations. Your business helps them continue their partnerships with charitable organizations.

BuzzRx Partnering to End Hunger

It takes a community to help stop hunger. Together, through partnership and advocacy, we can help families and individuals in the U.S. report fewer instances of food shortages. BuzzRx accomplishes this by partnering with fifteen Food Banks across the U.S.

When you save on prescriptions using a BuzzRx discount card, you also support a food bank that puts food into the homes of hungry Americans.

During this time, when it seems nothing is certain, you can help fight hunger from the safety of your home. If you are experiencing food insecurity, contact a food bank or local agency or organization that can assist with meals.

^{[1] https://www.feedingamerica.org/research/coronavirus-hunger-research
[2] https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us/definitions-of-food-security.aspx}