St. Mary’s Food Bank Kicks Off 53rd Year of Feeding AZ With Hunger Action Month 2020

"Go Orange," Take Action In September With Our 30 Ways In 30 Days To Help Those In Need & Support The Fight Against Hunger

Phoenix – In a year unlike any other, St. Mary’s Food Bank celebrates its 53rd year feeding Arizona’s hungry in 2020. The World’s First Food Bank will kick things off in September by raising awareness and encouraging the public to make a special effort to help those in need during Hunger Action Month 2020.

One in six Arizonans struggle with hunger each day of the year. One in four Arizona children in our state aren’t getting three meals a day. But these numbers can change if we all take action, support food banks and earn some great benefits for yourself in the process.

How can you help? St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance’s “30 Ways in 30 Days” Hunger Action Month calendar, presented by Arby’s, provides an action or activity for every day in September so all Arizonans can step forward and help those struggling with food insecurity.

It can be as simple as making a cup of coffee or a Casual Friday at work or home and donating what you would have spent that day to help the hungry. Every dollar donated will allow St. Mary’s to distribute enough food for SEVEN meals. Or you can take advantage of many ways to donate time, food or funds alongside some of the many local businesses who have stepped up during Hunger Action Month.

“Hunger Action Month is a great way for everyone to find their favorite way to fight hunger,” St. Mary’s President and CEO Tom Kertis said. “We thank all of the businesses and organizations who are taking part and a special thank you to Arby’s as our 2020 calendar presenter.”

Some of the great events planned for the month include:

All three West Valley Nothing Bundt Cakes locations will donate 100 percent of all money spent at their stores on Monday. Sept. 14 to the food bank with a goal of providing 100,000 meals for St. Mary’s. Donate your change or make a special gift at the register at any Safeway or Albertsons location during the 3TV Battle Against Childhood Hunger which benefits several food banks all during September.

Visit any Arby’s location on Tuesday, Sept. 29 and 20 percent of your purchase will be automatically donated to St. Mary’s. You will have an opportunity to donate at the register as well.

Others are helping raise awareness by using Orange – the color of hunger – to remind everyone of those in need.

Arizona’s tallest building, the 483-foot Chase Tower, will glow orange every Wednesday night during September. To celebrate national “Go Orange Day” on Thursday Sept. 10, Arizona politicians and TV news personalities will mark the day by wearing orange clothing. Dozens of volunteers from Orangetheory Fitness, clad in orange shirts, will be packing food boxes at St. Mary’s.

There are many other ways to help and many other companies and groups holding events or volunteering their time during Hunger Action Month. Click here for a full calendar of “30 Ways in 30 Days” activities. Click on each calendar square to read about that day’s event. Pick out the ones that appeal to you – or better yet, check out Monday, Sept. 28 and come up with your own way and let us know what you’re up to on Facebook or Twitter  so we can help spotlight your efforts!