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August Newsletter
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In this month's newsletter:
1. Hunger in America Spikes
2. It's National Farmers Market Week
3. Join the AmericaCorps VISTA Program
4. Become a Senior Volunteer
5. Farm Bill Advocacy
6. Hunger Fighter Resources


** Hunger in America Spikes
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The number of Americans who didn’t have enough to eat over a one week period increased by 35 percent – from 20 million from 27 million -- between July 2021 and July 2023, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey ([link removed]) .

In response, our CEO Joel Berg said, "this new data should be a wakeup call for elected officials at the national, state, and local levels that they need to take bold, concrete actions to raise wages, make quality housing and childcare more affordable, and strengthen – not cut – the food safety net."
Read the Full Article ([link removed])


** It's National Farmers Market Week!
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[link removed]
National Farmers Market Week is an annual celebration that highlights the vital role farmers markets play in our nation’s food system. At Hunger Free America, we have long advocated for farmers markets throughout the country to accept SNAP and WIC benefits. Click below to find the full list of participating markets.

Full List of Farmers Markets Accepting SNAP Benefits ([link removed])
And make sure to follow us on social media this week to learn more about how accepting SNAP and WIC at farmers markets not only increases healthy options, but helps grow the local economy!


** Join the AmericaCorps VISTA Program
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The HFA AmericCorps VISTA program engages VISTA members and partnering organizations in moving families beyond the soup kitchen by breaking down barriers and providing improved access to healthful, nutritious foods.

Members will assist unemployed and under-employed people obtain job training, job placement, and financial literacy services; improve access to food from government and nonprofit sources for targeted populations in particular and food insecure people in general; enable residents of food deserts to access healthier foods through farmers markets and community gardens; more low-income children to obtain free school breakfasts and summer meals; effective nonprofit groups fighting hunger and poverty to raise more money and recruit and manage more volunteers, particularly high-impact and skilled volunteers.
Learn More Here ([link removed])


** Become a Senior Volunteer
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A few hours of your time can help end hunger. Join us virtually as we work together to update the USDA Hunger Hotline Database- an essential resource for those in need of services and support. We provide training and support while on the session. You'll be calling hunger non-profits around the country to verify their details. Join us for 1 or multiple sessions.
Sign Up Here ([link removed])
Learn More About the Senior Volunteer Program ([link removed])


** Farm Bill Advocacy
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As Congress debates the Farm Bill this year, which is responsible for most major domestic hunger programs, we urge you to oppose additional cuts to SNAP funding, and to support all of HFA's Farm Bill Priorities ([link removed]) .

Sign Our Farm Bill Petition ([link removed])
Hunger Fighter Resources
* Do you run a food pantry or other feeding program? Make sure you're in our online database ([link removed]) ! Contact our Data Director, Angelica (mailto:[email protected]) for more information.

* Want to make a difference? Check out Volunteer resources on our website ([link removed]) .

Support Hunger Free America ([link removed])

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