Hunger Action Month: How One Woman’s Dedication Inspires Us All

Every morning, before the sun rises, one of our community members, Maria (a pseudonym to protect her privacy), begins her day. After working a late shift the night before, she catches the first bus to make it to The Community Market. Maria isn’t just here to receive food for her family—she’s here to give back. As one of over 6,000 neighbors we serve each week, Maria embodies the spirit of our community: selfless, resilient, and committed to lifting each other up. After gathering the groceries she needs, Maria stays to volunteer, helping us organize food and welcoming other neighbors. By the time she returns home, she’s ready to cook dinner for her family and sometimes even makes a meal for our staff. Maria’s story is one of many that shows the strength and compassion of our community.

But Hunger Action Month is about more than recognizing the hard work of people like Maria. It’s about acknowledging the reality that hunger exists in Eagle County and that it takes all of us to make a difference. Each week, thousands of our neighbors come through the doors of The Community Market, facing the challenge of feeding their families amidst rising costs and limited resources. Hunger doesn’t take a break, and neither can we.

There are many ways you can join us this Hunger Action Month:

1. Donate: Whether it’s non-perishable food items, fresh produce, or funds, your donation directly supports our neighbors in need. Every bit helps us keep our shelves stocked and our community fed.
2. Volunteer: Like Maria, you can make a difference by donating your time. We’re always in need of helping hands to sort donations, assist at the market, and engage with our community members. We have 2 hour shifts, 6 days a week between our locations in Gypsum and Edwards. 
3. Support Food Rescue through our RECOVER Program: Our RECOVER program works tirelessly to rescue perfectly good food that might otherwise go to waste, ensuring it reaches those who need it most. Support and encourage local food rescue initiatives to help us reduce waste and feed more people.
4. Shop Local and Support Local Agriculture: By choosing to shop locally, you support our community’s farmers and producers, strengthen our local economy, and help reduce our carbon footprint. The Community Market partners with local farms to provide fresh, nutritious produce to our neighbors, promoting a sustainable and healthy community. Supporting local agriculture helps ensure that everyone has access to healthy food, while also honoring our region’s rich agricultural heritage.
5. Spread Awareness and Wear Orange: Hunger is an issue that can feel invisible. Help us raise awareness by sharing our mission, talking to friends and family about food insecurity, and wearing orange, the color of hunger awareness, throughout September.

Hunger Action Month reminds us that fighting hunger is a collective effort. Whether you have time, resources, or simply a voice, you can make a difference. Let’s come together this September to honor neighbors like Maria and ensure that no one in our community goes to bed hungry.For more information visit eaglevalleycf.org.