How can we as interior designers affect change to end hunger? Here are some ideas on human-centered designs focused on empowering individuals to end food insecurity:
September is Hunger Action Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of the hunger crisis nationwide. More than 34 million people, including 9 million children, experience food insecurity in the United States. There are 585,290 food insecure people in Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, and Palm Beach Counties; and 135,250 food insecure people in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties. The vast majority of these are children and seniors.
For many, a daily meal is a simple choice of what to eat. But for people facing hunger, a daily meal poses a very different type of choice. It’s often an impossible choice between food and other crucial needs, impacting the lives of families and whole communities.
How to Help?
Spread awareness
Put on your finest orange outfit or accessories and share a photo of yourself on social media. Share the message that food shouldn’t be an impossible choice. Spread awareness using the hashtags #HungerActionMonth #HAM2023 #WearOrange and #EndHungerNow on social media channels to involve the community in our mission. Don’t forget to include tag @IIDASFC and tag #IIDASFC
Be an advocate
Advocacy efforts revolve around informing, educating, engaging, and empowering the community in the fight with hunger problems. Educate the people around you about hunger in South Florida and how they can help. Talk to those you know and help us reach out to the community for support!
Did you know some people believe that hunger isn’t an issue in America? But that simply isn’t true. Every county in the United States struggles with food insecurity. By sharing facts about food insecurity and food deserts, you can help raise awareness of the problem and inspire your friends and family to take action.
Run a 5K
Participate in Outrun Hunger, a fun-filled event taking place at the beautiful Okeeheelee Park (7715 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33413) on Saturday, September 23. Participants can join the event as an individual or a team.
Volunteer at a food bank
Over half of all soup kitchens, food pantries, and meal programs rely on volunteer support. Spending a few hours each month volunteering can make an enormous difference for food banks and the families they serve. Pledge to volunteer, then find your local food bank and sign up!
Donate Goods
Food drives create an opportunity to work together toward a common worthy goal. They can inform, encourage, and involve all participants in understanding and addressing hunger issues in the community.
Join IIDA South Florida and NEWH as we work together to help families throughout South Florida. The food drive starts October 4th; keep an eye out for more information coming soon!