TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - September is recognized as Hunger Action Month, and local advocates are raising awareness about food insecurity across the Big Bend region. September 9 is also recognized as Hunger Action Day.

Monique Ellsworth, CEO of Second Harvest of the Big Bend, said one in four children and one in six adults in Leon County don’t know where their next meal will come from. With inflation straining household budgets and the holidays approaching, Ellsworth said the timing of this campaign couldn’t be more critical.

“What we know as we walk into the holidays is that families are going to be facing a number of other priorities,” Ellsworth said. “Supporting families means that families who might not otherwise have food to eat and a meal to share can celebrate in the ways they hope to with their family.”

Earlier this year, the nonprofit was forced to cut dozens of seniors from its Commodity Supplemental Food Program due to federal funding cuts.

But state funding is providing relief.

A $28 million investment from the state’s Farmers Feeding Florida initiative is being distributed to food banks statewide, including Second Harvest of the Big Bend. The money allows organizations to purchase fresh food directly from local farms and dairies, according to the CEO.

“It means we’ll see consistent support over the next few months and fresh access to locally grown produce, meat, seafood, and other things we know families are looking for and needing to make sure they have nutritious food and a lot of food to eat,” said Ellsworth.

Second Harvest is ramping up food drives and distributions ahead of the holidays. The nonprofit is also encouraging the community to take action to end hunger by volunteering and donating.

To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor and X (Twitter).

Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.

Copyright 2025 WCTV. All rights reserved.