Pictured: DHEC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, took the challenge and shared “On an empty stomach I can’t be active.

By Emily Pineda, DHEC Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity

As part of  Hunger Action Month, Feeding America is encouraging individuals to share what they can’t do on an empty stomach. You can write it on a plate, take a selfie, and post to your social media channels with #HungerActionMonth. It’s one way to help raise awareness for more than 790,000 of our neighbors in South Carolina who do not always know where they will find their next meal.

In South Carolina, there are several ways you can help end hunger in your community. One way is working with your local food bank. You can donate food, volunteer, or make a gift. There are four food banks that serve South Carolina – Golden Harvest Food Bank, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Lowcountry Food Bank, and Second Harvest Food Bank. To find out more about each food bank, please visit scfoodbankassociation.org.

DHEC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity is working with the S.C. Department of Agriculture to increase the amount of produce at food banks and food pantries. To learn more about the Farm to Food Bank initiative, visit http://www.scfarmtoinstitution.com. In addition, DHEC’s Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling is working with the SC Department of Commerce and partners to help South Carolina cut food waste in half by 2030. To learn more about Don’t Waste Food S.C. campaign, visit www.scdhec.gov/dontwastefoodsc.

To learn more about Hunger Action Month, please visit www.feedingamerica.org.