Every September, communities across the United States observe Hunger Action Month, which aims to curb the epidemic of hunger currently plaguing some 40 million people across the nation by raising awareness about the issue and the organizations fighting against it.

To that end, Publix Supermarkets recently made a donation of $500,000 to go to food banks across the state, including the Montgomery Area Food Bank (MAFB), which received $100,000 from the company.

The Publix donations went to communities where the grocery chain has a store, so the Selma Area Food Bank (SAFB) did not directly receive any funding but, because it serves as a Partner Distribution Organization (PDO) to the MAFB, the local food bank will undoubtedly reap some of the benefits.

“When the tide rises, all the boats rise with it,” said SAFB Executive Director Jeff Harrison. “We certainly benefit by being a Partner Distribution Organization of Montgomery. As that money comes to them, it enhances their inventory, which enhances ours.”

Harrison noted that the MAFB does “wondrous things” with the funding it receives, which benefits all of its PDOs, and it is essential that it and its local subsidiary collect the boost in support that Hunger Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign sponsored by the non-profit organization Feeding America, provides every year.

“As food bankers, we help our neighbors in need,” Harrison said. “During Hunger Action Month, we try to inspire the public to take action by advocating or donating or volunteering.”

Harrison said this year’s theme – “End Hunger One Helping at a Time” – has a double meaning, as it is calling for the community to get involved, either by helping out through volunteer or advocacy work or providing a helping of food to someone in need.

Additionally, Harrison said the organization and its network of 200 food banks that feed some 46 million people through various food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters is hoping to spurn 40,000 unique actions during the month – whether that be an afternoon spent volunteering, a donation of food or funds or social media advocacy – to represent the 40 million Americans struggling with hunger and Feeding America’s 40th anniversary.

“As we see by disasters and different things that come up, America is a very generous country, but sometimes we have to remind ourselves and remind the public that ours isn’t a disaster but an ongoing issue,” Harrison said of the fight against hunger. “When we help curb that issue, it helps society in general and, in turn, produces great benefits when you take the burden off of someone facing hunger.”

Harrison noted that the epidemic of hunger in the United States is not only a public health issue but an economic issue as well and people in rural areas are most likely to suffer, as they often live in “food deserts,” places where there is limited access to fresh produce and healthy food options.

“So many in our rural areas just don’t have access to a grocery store that sells fresh produce or a healthier grade of food,” Harrison said. “At the end of the day, we all need to eat a little healthier, as we’ve all gotten into the routine of eating fast food and, as a society, in general, we don’t gather around the table with mama cooking a healthy meal each night.”

Harrison noted that there are a multitude of ways that people and organizations can support the food bank during Hunger Action Month – churches, civic groups and other large organizations can host internal challenges to raise food and funds for the local operation, while smaller groups or individuals can collect and drop off donations or be added to the food bank’s volunteer list.

According to Harrison, the most effective way to support the food bank’s work is through a monetary donation of any size.

“Whatever the amount is it’s certainly appreciated and put to good use,” Harrison said. It doesn’t have to be a large amount – anything helps with the overall effort.”

The simplest contribution of all, and one of the most important, Harrison said, was to simply spread the word of the SAFB’s ongoing work in the community.

“The main thing is just to talk it up, just put it out there that Selma does have a food bank and we’re always in need of food and funds,” Harrison said. “We’ve been here for 25-plus years and we’re a trusted charity. That’s something worth bragging on.”

For more information or to get involved, visit www.selmafoodbank.com or call 334-872-4111.