During the month of September, which has been designated Hunger Action Month by the national nonprofit Feeding America, the Temple community has been working to collect food for our neighbors in need.  

Nearly a million people in the Delaware Valley are at risk of going hungry. In an effort to address this issue, the university teamed up with Philabundance. Together they launched the Great Food Fight, a monthlong food drive and fundraiser with the goal raising 3,000 pounds of food to provide 3,000 meals to those in need.

“At Temple University, we talk about taking charge,” said Ryan Rinaldi, president of Temple Student Government. “This will be our first Hunger Action Month, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work with Philabundance.”

On Thursday, Oct. 1, the university will host a Hunger Action Summit followed by a Hunger Action Community Fair. The summit and fair will feature discussion on food disparities, sustainable agriculture and community gardening, and a sampling of fresh foods from local vendors including the Rad Dish Co-op, the Food Trust and Fresh Grocer.

Speakers for the event include Muhbubur Meenar, assistant director for Temple’s Center for Sustainable Communities, who will describe his research on urban agriculture and its connection to food insecurities.

Philabundance serves more than 90,000 people a week—30 percent of them are children and 15 percent are seniors—with a goal of making nutritious food accessible to all.

“We’re so grateful for Temple University’s Great Food Fight, which will help Philabundance feed our hungry neighbors in need,” said Glenn Bergman, executive director of Philabundance. “Having partners like Temple is vital to the fight against hunger in our area, where more than 750,000 people are food insecure. If we’re going to end hunger, we have to do it together. We can’t do it alone.”

To make a donation, drop off a nonperishable food item in one of the bins located in campus Barnes & Noble stores, Johnson and Hardwick and Morgan Hall dining areas, and the Diamond Club.

In addition to canned goods, Philabundance relies on financial contributions from individuals and corporations. An online donation of $10 will provide 20 meals for those in need and will enable the organization to continue working toward ending hunger and giving families hope.

Philabundance is a Feeding America member food bank.

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