The Food Bank for Larimer County, a member of  the Feeding America® nationwide network of food banks, will observe Hunger Action Month^TM – a nationwide initiative designed  to mobilize the public to take action on the issue of hunger and join the movement to help end hunger. Hunger advocates from Larimer County and across the country are working together this September to shine a light on the issue of hunger and the 1 in 6 people who face hunger in America – including more than 43,000 food insecure individuals here in Larimer County.

“One in 10 people in Larimer County struggle with hunger, and the Food Bank is eager to rally around Hunger Action Month as we continue our fight to solve this issue,” said Amy Pezzani, Executive Director of the Food Bank for Larimer County. “Hunger is an issue that affects everyone – our child’s classmate, an office coworker or neighbor down the street. September is an opportunity for everyone to take simple steps towards supporting those in need.”

The Feeding America network of food banks also is participating in the new Spoontember^TM online initiative. To get involved, supporters can share a ‘spoon selfie’ or video of themselves balancing a spoon on their nose – a utensil that is most often used to prepare and provide food for others – and challenge friends and family to join them to generate awareness of the 49 million Americans who may not know where they’ll find their next meal.

In addition, the Food Bank will commemorate Hunger Action Day®, which will be held Thursday, September 3. Hunger Action Day is an opportunity for the country to learn more about how hunger affects their community. The Food Bank will commemorate Hunger Action Day 2015 with a public open house so that the community can learn more about the Food Bank and see operations in action.

“Domestic hunger affects every community in our nation, preventing millions of families, seniors and children from thriving,” said Matt Knott, president of Feeding America. “This September we all are given a chance to come together and make a difference for those facing hunger.”

The Food Bank is providing several opportunities for community members to get involved in Hunger Action Month in Larimer County:

 New! SPOONTEMBER

New this year, the spoon will serve as the icon for Hunger Action Month to help raise hunger awareness. As the utensil used to eat, prepare food, and serve food, as well as to feed those who can’t feed themselves, the spoon is a natural symbol for the Hunger Action Month campaign. To help spread awareness, the Food Bank challenges the community to take a “spoon selfie”, share it on social media and challenge friends to do the same! Be sure to use #Spoontember and #Hunger Action Month in posts!

 September 1 – December 31

Kicking off during Hunger Action Month, the Feeding America network and Bank of America are joining forces for the 4^th consecutive year to support the Give A Meal program, which aims to reduce food insecurity in communities around the country. For every $1 donated to the Food Bank, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation will give $2 more. Donations can be made at www.bankofamerica.com/give. Be sure to enter your zip code to keep your donation in Larimer County!

 September 3 – Hunger Action Day

On Thursday, September 3, the Food Bank will be hosting a community open house. Larimer County residents are invited to attend one of three tours to be held at 9 am, 1 pm and 5 pm, to learn more or to RSVP, please call the Food Bank, 970.493.4477.

September 3 – SPOONTEMBER at Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop will help the Food Bank kick off SPOONTEMBER on Thursday, September 3 from 11 am – 11 pm at their shop in Old Town Square. Before enjoying a delicious scoop of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, visitors will receive a special Hunger Action Month orange spoon to take a “spoon selfie” and are asked to post it on social media and challenge friends to do the same all in the name of raising hunger awareness. Ice cream lovers will also enjoy free toppings that day with 10% of the day’s sales donated to the Food Bank!

September 11 – Volunteer Day at the Food Bank

During Hunger Action Month, the Food Bank sets aside an open volunteer shift to give community members a chance to help out. The shift runs from 12:30 – 3 pm on Friday, September 11 at the Food Bank warehouse in Fort Collins, 1301 Blue Spruce. To learn more or to sign up, visit www.foodbanklarimer.org/volunteer.

September 16 – Loveland Aleworks “Pint for the People”

Loveland Ale Works is taking action to fight hunger this September by hosting a food drive and donating $1 per beer sold from 6-close on Wednesday, September 16 at their brewery at 118 West 4^th St., Loveland.

 September 17 – Cans Around the Oval Distribution Day at Lory Student Center

Team registration for the 29^th Annual Cans Around the Oval community fund and food drive kicks off at the Lory Student Center on September 17. For more information, contact CSU’s SLiCE Office, 970-491-5488 or visit www.slice.colostate.edu/cans-around-the-oval.

September 23 – Loveland Food Share Public Tour and Volunteer Project

Community members are invited to take a behind the scenes tour of Loveland Food Share and participate in a “hands on” volunteer project. The event will be held from 12:30 – 3:00 pm at the Food Bank’s Loveland facility, 2600 N. Lincoln Ave. To learn more or to RSVP, please call the Food Bank, 970.493.4477.

 September 27 – Front Range Rally @ Loveland Farmers’ Market

The Front Range Rally has been invited to bring their signature craft beer & Food truck experience to the Loveland Farmers’ Market at Fairgrounds Park on Sunday, September 27. Admission is free and visitors will be able to walk around the entire market while enjoying local craft beer from Loveland Aleworks and Verboten Brewing with food from Chaulkboard Gourmet Express and Mile High Lobster Shack. 100% of beer sales and a portion of food sales go directly to Food Bank for Larimer County.