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Hamilton Food Share Reports on Community Activities Recognizing National Hunger Awareness Day

Hamilton (May 31, 2011) – To mark National Hunger Awareness Day there are a myriad of activities going on throughout the city which include food drives, high school fundraisers and an art show according to Joanne Santucci, Executive Director of Hamilton Food Share.  “I am truly pleased at the groundswell of community events focused on raising the awareness of hunger in Hamilton while also assisting us to raise much needed food and funds for the many who go hungry in our community.

“Hunger continues to be the number one challenge in our community.  We are as hungry for change as the people we serve, ” said Joanne Santucci, Executive Director of Hamilton Food Share “Hunger is no longer invisible and these events demonstrate that our community is recognizing the impact that hunger and poverty has on the lives of thousands of our neighbours.”

High School students have joined in the fight against hunger. A prelude to Hunger Awareness Day occurred on May 18 where 100 students slept outside of the Hamilton and District Board of Education. “it was incredible,” stated Santucci, “More than 100 students showed up in the pouring rain in order to bring attention to the issue of poverty in Hamilton.  Schools such as Glendale and Hill Park have planned fundraisers today and are participating in an array of awareness initiatives such as creating and delivering postcards to the Mayor, and local federal and provincial representatives.”

Other Activities include, the United Way’s National Day of Caring is holding a food drive which begins today and commences on June 2, 2011.  Food can be dropped off at the United Way office at 177 Rebecca Street West, Jim Mullin’s “War Ration” art Show,” is held at the James Street North Gallery, “The show focuses on food stamps that were used in Hamilton during the Second World War,” says Santucci “Food banks currently serve rations of food to people and there is no war going on.”  The artist has been working on the show for a long time but wanted to ensure that it was open for Hunger Awareness Day.

Hamilton Food Share (HFS) is a unique one of a kind food bank in Hamilton that raises food for food banks and hot meal lines throughout the community. A donation to Hamilton Food Share benefits hungry people throughout the community and every $1 dollar that is donated will raise $5 dollars worth of food. For more information about the HFS, as well as hunger and poverty in Hamilton, please visit www.hamiltonfoodshare.org

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For further information, contact:
Rachel O’Reilly, Resource Development Director, Hamilton Food Share,
(905) 664-9065 x 222 (work)
(905) 978-0650 (cell)