September is Hunger Action Month. Hunger Action month was started in 2008 by Feeding America as a way to raise awareness in communities about the existence of hunger and food insecurity. Locally we work with our Food Pantry Network – HOI & Partnership for a Healthy Community HEAL Priority action team help to coordinate events, print media, and online media all pointed at education about the local needs and how best to support them.

In 2022, HAM projects include social media education, proclamations made by city and county government, and Hunger Action Day events such as the Tri-County Hunger Walk in Pekin, Peoria, and Metamora and our wear orange campaign.

You can print this flyer and share it with others to help spread the word.

Hunger Action Month Facebook Campaign

"Attend" this Facebook event and enjoy updates throughout the month featuring local initiatives that help fight hunger, how people can help, and how food impacts the health and wellness of our communities. Share the event on your personal page and invite more to "attend."

Tri-County Hunger Walks

Food shouldn’t be an impossible choice! Join us as we raise awareness about hunger and make an effort to support the hunger & health of our neighbors by donating healthy, shelf-stable food options to local pantries. As our first ever inaugural Tri-County Hunger Walk, we hope to have the community rally around this need and enjoy time with friends & family taking some steps to end hunger! 

Friday, September 23, 6 to 7 PM

Register online - Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Walkers can attend the location of their choice:

• Mineral Springs Park Lagoon, Pekin - Tazewell County - Flyer and Shopping List
• Forest Park Nature Center, Peoria Heights - Peoria County - Flyer and Shopping List
• Black Partridge Park, Metamora - Woodford County - Flyer and Shopping List

Walk Entry Fee: One healthy-shelf stable food item per walker. All food donated will go to local pantries! 

Greenlight Shopping Donation List

Donating to your local food pantry is a great way to get involved. It is important to remember the types of food you donate directly impacts the health of your neighbors! Use this shopping list as a tool. This shopping list is a perfect tool to use to see healthy shelf-stable items, along with hygiene and household items that are always needed.

Additional ways to get involved

Hosting your own Greenlight Food Drive is a great way to get involved. It could be a stand alone event, part of a 4-H club or Master Gardener meeting (or any type of meeting), or "ticket" to attend an event, such as a birthday party or movie night. We encourage you to use your creativity. Contact Rebecca Crumrine, U of I Extension SNAP-Ed coordinator, to get additional resources and to share the story of your food drive.

If you have any questions or need reasonable accommodations to participate please contact Rebecca Crumrine, racrumri@illinois.edu or 309-347-6614.