Did you know this week is hunger and homelessness awareness week? The national observance that runs this year from November 16-23, is designed to educate the public, draw attention to the problem of poverty, and build up the base of volunteers and supporters for local anti-poverty agencies. The event was first held at Villanova University in 1975, and according to the official website, this year, more than 700 colleges, high schools, and community groups across the country will come together during this week to raise awareness about the pressing issues of hunger and homelessness. Locally in St. Clair County, there are events every day this week to raise awareness and community support. You may have noticed orange ribbons around town? Those are a part of the movement to remind residents of the weeklong observance. Other activities include local food bank and homeless shelter tours, a poetry night, library movies and even a campout in Pine Grove Park. These events are centered around shedding light on this important topic in communities across the county. In the United States and Michigan alone, more than 1.3 million people are struggling with hunger, and of them, more than 345 million are children. According to the Hunger and Homlessness in St. Clair County movement, the way you can help is by donating to a local food pantry, host a food drive or food giveaway or maybe even volunteer at a soup kitchen, pantry or food bank. To learn more about local efforts, visit “Hunger and Homelessness in St. Clair County Michigan” on Facebook.
