Second Harvest sets events for Hunger Action Month

YOUNGSTOWN — Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley is sponsoring three events to highlight the observance of September as Hunger Action Month.

Second Harvest is joining 205 Feeding America food banks across the country to raise funds, food and awareness about the hunger situation in America.

Feeding America is the largest charitable domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States and annually provides assistance to more than 25 million people in need including 9 million children and 3 million senior citizens in all 50 states.

Second Harvest events:

U Those who bring a nonperishable food item from 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 14 to Austintown Skate Zone Fun Center, 5420 Mahoning Ave., will receive a free activity such as roller skating, adventure golf, bumper cars or Web city. If you bring in five items, you get to do five free activities.

U A food-a-thon, a collection of food in neighborhoods, will be Sept. 20 and 21. Residents are asked to collect nonperishable food items in their neighborhoods and bring the collection to the food bank, 2805 Salt Springs Road. The food bank will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to accept donations, and WFMJ on-air personalities will be on hand from noon to 3 p.m. to accept donations.

U An interfaith service is planned at 10 a.m. Sept. 19 at Second Harvest. The service will focus on renewing commitment to help feed hungry families and those living in poverty. Clergy representing various denominations in the faith community will speak.

Second Harvest Food Bank provides food to 165 hunger-relief organizations in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. These organizations include faith-based food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelter and shelters for battered women.

For more information, call Second Harvest at (330) 792-5522.