The Society of St. Andrew is working on the frontlines to combat hunger in the region. As Jean Sierys, the Regional Director for The Society of St. Andrew on Delmarva, explains, about 40% of fresh fruits and vegetables in the U.S. go to waste while approximately 40% of people in communities like the shore do not have reliable access to nutritious food due to financial constraints or lack of nearby grocery stores.
Sierys believes that many individuals within the community may not be aware of the hunger issue that exists around them, with some mistakenly assuming that those who work hard have all they need to provide food for themselves and their families. However, events like World Hunger Day provide opportunities for people to learn about the hunger crisis in their communities and take action to address it.
The organization takes a unique approach by focusing on preventing food waste and ensuring that nutritious food reaches community members in need. They collaborate with local farmers to reduce food waste and ensure that nutritious meals are available to those in need, helping to address hunger in the region.
Feeding America reports that 44 million people in the U.S., including more than 13 million children, are struggling with hunger. On a local level, the Maryland Food Bank states that 1 in 3 Marylanders are experiencing food insecurity. World Hunger Day was established in 2011 to raise awareness of the global food crisis and highlight these alarming statistics.
