hunger action month Facts, figures and activities

Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, 2805 Salt Springs Road, Youngstown, is marking the first National Hunger Action Month during September, which replaces Hunger Awareness Day in June. Second Harvest joins 205 Feeding America food banks across the country to raise funds, food and awareness.

Activities: A food-a-thon is planned from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Sunday to accept donations. People are encouraged to collect donations in their neighborhoods and take them to the food bank.

Nonperishable items will be accepted through September at Big Lots and Skate Zone Fun Center, both in Austintown, and Sparkle Markets.

Conduct a food drive: Get your civic, church or community group together and conduct a food drive for Second Harvest. Most needed items are canned vegetables, tuna fish, canned meats, peanut butter and cereal.

To volunteer: Second Harvest needs volunteers in a variety of areas, including sorting and repacking foods, assisting with special events and clerical work.

Need: In Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties, some 23,960 children live in poverty. The 165 member agencies of Second Harvest report a 38 percent increase this year in the number of people coming for assistance. Member agencies are faith-based food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, shelters for battered women and school programs.

Distribution: Second Harvest distributes about 20,000 pounds of food a day and provides food to more than 9,100 people each week. In 2007, Second Harvest distributed more than 5.4 million pounds of food including 1.4 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2008, the food bank expects to distribute more than 6 million pounds of food.

Information: Call Second Harvest at (330) 792-5522 or visit the Web site www.mahoningvalleysecondharvest.com.