Hunger Action Month – 2026 (Press Release)

Media Contact:
Bruce Jackson
914.563.3420
bjackson@feedingwestchester.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feeding Westchester Launches Hunger Action Month
with $100,000 Match Challenge and County Food Drive

This September, Feeding Westchester Joins Feeding America’s “Assembly Required” Campaign, Calling on Families, Government Leaders and Businesses to Take Action Against Hunger

Food As Medicine Expert Panel—A Conversation on the Power of Access To Nutritious Food—on September 29

ELMSFORD, NY (September 1, 2026) – September is Hunger Action Month, Feeding America’s nationwide call to fight hunger, and Feeding Westchester is inviting the entire community to take part. This year’s national theme, “Assembly Required,” reflects the idea that solving hunger takes collective effort: whether through giving, volunteering or advocacy, every action helps build a future where all Westchester neighbors have the food they need to thrive.

To kick off the month, longtime generous supporter Debbie Newman Bernstein is matching donations up to $50,000, giving the community an opportunity to double their impact and help Feeding Westchester reach a $100,000 Hunger Action Month Match goal.

“With so many Westchester households working full-time and still struggling to put food on the table, bringing our community together for Hunger Action Month is more important than ever,” said Kristine Borok, President and CEO of Feeding Westchester. “This September, we’re turning Feeding America’s ‘Assembly Required’ theme into action — inviting families, organizations, and businesses across the county to help us fight hunger together.”

“We’re deeply grateful for the partnership and support of Debbie Newman Bernstein, Westchester County, The Giving Circle of Lower Westchester, Volunteer New York!, Monroe University, and many of Westchester’s finest restaurants and retailers, whose generosity inspires our entire community,” Borok added.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Hunger Action Month is an important reminder that fighting hunger is everyone’s responsibility, and that when we come together, our shared impact can be extraordinary. Westchester County is proud to stand alongside Feeding Westchester and our many community partners to ensure that none of our neighbors have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. I encourage all County residents to find a way to take action this month, either by donating, volunteering, or advocating for those facing food insecurity. Together, we can help build a stronger, healthier Westchester where every family has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.”

TAKE ACTION THIS HUNGER ACTION MONTH

• Double Your Donation: For the month of September, gifts to Feeding Westchester up to $50,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, thanks to a match offer from longtime supporter Debbie Newman Bernstein
  Donate online at feedingwestchester.org
• Take Part in the Westchester County Food Drive: Feeding Westchester is partnering with Westchester County to organize a Hunger Action Month food drive, September 1-29; details on most-needed items and drop-off locations are included on the attached flyer or the 2026 Hunger Action Month information page.
• Go Orange: Westchester residents and businesses are encouraged to wear orange, light up workplaces and public spaces in orange, and share photos on social media using an orange theme to show support for the fight against hunger
• Shop To Support: Throughout September, a group of participating Westchester businesses will donate a portion of their sales to combat hunger in our community; the campaign turns everyday purchases into meaningful impact for our community. Participating Restaurants & Retailers are listed at the end of this release and on the 2026 Hunger Action Month information page

HUNGER ACTION MONTH CALENDAR

• THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10: Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Lighting
  • The bridge will be lit orange in honor of Hunger Action Month, building visibility as commuters and travelers cross throughout the evening
• FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11: 9/11 Serve + Remember
  • Volunteer New York! and Monroe University partner with 250 volunteers in New Rochelle to pack 50,000 meals for the local community; an amazing collaboration of college students, community members and government leaders; Details on Volunteer New York! website
• THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, presented by the Giving Circle of Lower Westchester: Comics for a Cause
  • An evening of comedy benefiting Feeding Westchester; details on lineup, venue, and tickets included on the attached flyer and Giving Circle website
• TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29: Hunger Action Day
  • The signature day of Hunger Action Month — residents, schools, businesses and government leaders across Westchester are encouraged to wear orange and share their support on social media
  • Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins will issue a proclamation officially recognizing September 29 as Hunger Action Day in Westchester County
• TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, hosted at Feeding Westchester: Food As Medicine Panel, sponsored by White Plains Hospital
  • A discussion exploring the connection between nutrition and health outcomes, with panelists representing Northwell Health, White Plains Hospital, Westchester Community Health Center, and Feeding Westchester
    Details on attached invite and register to attend at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/yL45drMupJ

OTHER WAYS TO HELP…DURING HUNGER ACTION MONTH OR ANYTIME
https://feedingwestchester.org/get-involved/other-ways-to-help/

• Volunteer opportunities for individuals and community organizations
• Help From Home food packing program for Students, Families and Community Organizations
• Start a food drive with #GiveHealthy
• Make your voice heard — visit our Advocacy page and sign up for Action Alerts

Assembly Required: Take action and join us in the fight against hunger in Westchester County!

Resources & Attachments 

• Westchester County Food Drive flyer 

• Comics for a Cause flyer 

• Food As Medicine Panel Invitation 

• Shop To Support Participating Retailers
  • Whole Month

• • • Iyengar Yoga Scarsdale 
    • Mister V’s Pizza Bar, Elmsford
    • Dom’s Deli & Grille, Elmsford
    • Aries Wines & Spirits, White Plains
  • Limited Time:

• • • Hugo Boss (The Westchester) – Friday September 11
    • Splash Car Wash 208 Tarrytown Rd, White Plains – September 25 – 27

• Please include links to Feeding Westchester’s website where possible (feedingwestchester.org) and follow us on social media (control + click to connect): 
        

### 

Feeding Westchester serves Westchester County through a network of 175 partners. In fiscal year 2026, the organization distributed more than 21.2 million pounds of nutritious food, equivalent to 17.7 million meals, through soup kitchens, food pantries, schools, shelters, residential programs, and mobile distributions, helping ensure that children, seniors, veterans, and working families have access to nutritious food they need. 

Feeding Westchester is located at 200 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford, NY 10523. For more information, or to donate, visit feedingwestchester.org.