National Food Bank Day is a holiday observed on the first Friday of September, and it is used to raise public awareness of the problem of hunger in the United States and to encourage people to donate to their local food bank. Situated at the beginning of National Hunger Month, this holiday serves as a reminder that 1 in 6 people in the U.S. suffers from food insecurity and that food banks supply food to over 40 million households every single year. Those are reasons enough for anyone and everyone capable of observing this holiday to do so and help make a difference in someone else’s life.

The History of National Food Bank Day

National Food Bank Day was created in 2017 by the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance to recognize the contributions of food banks across the U.S. St. Mary’s Food Bank was created in 1967 by John van Hengel to alleviate hunger through food distribution. They also offer programs for self-sufficiency, advocacy, and education.

Fast Facts About Food Banks

Our research has turned up some facts that we think all of our readers would find interesting, so we decided to share them below. Hopefully, the following facts will help illuminate the problem of hunger in America and how food banks are working to address that problem.

• More than 42 million people face food insecurity.
• Food insecurity rates are higher for African American, Latino, and Native American families.
• In 2019, more than 35 million people in the U.S. experienced hunger.

Observing National Food Bank Day

National Food Bank Day should be observed by helping a local food bank—either through a direct donation of food or by donating cash. People can also volunteer their time at a food bank that might be short-staffed. Anyone celebrating this holiday should also spread the word about it by using the hashtag #NationalFoodBankDay on their social media accounts.