Hunger Action Month 2022

September is Hunger Action Month.

United Way of Greater Fall River is working to ensure that everyone in our community has access to healthy, affordable food.

According to Feeding America, 34 million people are food insecure in America; here in the Southcoast, that number is 1 in 14. Your neighbor may not know where their next meal will come from, skip meals to save money, choose between other basic needs like rent to be able to purchase food, and more. With 18% of Fall River falling below the Federal Poverty Line, and the impact of inflation felt by many more, we know that more families are facing hunger and making difficult choices on a daily basis.

United Way of Greater Fall River historically earmarks a generous allocation toward hunger relief efforts as we know that families can’t focus on larger challenges until their basic needs are met.  Together with donors across the community and corporate partners, Bank5 and BayCoast Bank, United Way of Greater Fall River is providing $78,000 in food grants to area food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and outreach programs that address hunger and homelessness in the Greater Fall River area… a 46% increase in funding from last year.  These grants are to food distribution partners in every one of the cities and towns we serve, in response to an increased need for inventory and supplies due to the impact of the current economy on an ever-growing number of families who can’t afford basic needs. Food distribution partners are struggling to keep up with the demand for nutritional meals, food and groceries, and hygiene and personal care items for families and children in need.  Over 22,000 households will receive assistance as a direct result of the Food Grants.

United Way plays a vital part in Stamp Out Hunger, the nationwide nonperishable food drive hosted by the National Association of Letter Carriers each May. In 2022, with the support and advocacy of United Way of Greater Fall River, 52,900 pounds of food were collected in our service area by Letter Carriers and distributed back to food pantries.  This drive restocked the shelves of food pantries and of homes throughout Greater Fall River. It is expected that an increased demand will continue throughout the winter months and into the spring of 2023.

United Way of Greater Fall River also sits on the Southcoast Food Policy Council, working with community leaders across the Southcoast on issues surrounding food access and availability. Through this work, we partnered with Greater Boston Food Bank to conduct a Feeding America survey of Fall River to being research on food access throughout the city.  The information collected through these partnerships will help make food access, especially to locally sourced food, more equitable throughout the service area.

United Way of Greater Fall River fights every day for the health, education, financial stability, and basic needs of every person in our community, especially those most in need.  Our experience and expertise tell us that single-issue or one-size-fits-all solutions won’t create the lasting change needed. Instead, we join hands with individuals and stakeholders from all sectors, public and private alike, and work closely with agency partners throughout Greater Fall River to target the issues our neighbors face, and work together to provide sustainable solutions. Donations to United Way of Greater Fall River stay local. Visit www.uwgfr.org for ways you can help.

Together, we can make a difference. We can prevent hunger in our community.

Give Today: uwgfr.org/give

Food Grant Recipients 2023