September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness of hunger and inspire communities to take action. Here in Central Brevard, the need for that action is increasingly clear, as more of our neighbors turn to The Sharing Center for help putting food on the table.
During the past fiscal year, 15,878 people received food through our Emergency Food Pantry, an increase of nearly 10% in just one year. More than 4,100 were children, and almost three quarters of those receiving assistance were part of a family household.
Today, we are regularly providing food for more than 100 people each day through the Pantry alone.
These numbers tell an important story about what is happening in our community. Household budgets are being stretched, and for many of our neighbors there simply isn’t enough left after paying for housing, utilities, transportation and other essentials to put sufficient food on the table.
For some, it is their first time asking for help. For others, the Sharing Center provides a little extra support during a particularly difficult month.
And our response to hunger extends well beyond the Food Pantry.
Our Community Kitchen provides meals seven days a week, 365 days a year, while our Weekend Meals program reaches local families through area schools, providing food for the whole household over the weekend.
Together, these programs help ensure that when someone in Central Brevard needs food, there is somewhere they can turn.
You Can Be Part of the Response
Hunger Action Month is an opportunity to recognize that hunger exists right here in our community, but also that each of us can do something about it.
A bag of donated groceries can help stock our Pantry. A few hours of volunteer time can help prepare food for distribution. A financial gift helps us respond as demand continues to grow.
Every act of support sends an important message to someone going through a difficult time:
Your community is here for you.
This September, help us continue putting food on tables throughout Central Brevard.
Donate. Volunteer. Take action against hunger.
Donate at www.sharingcenter.org