September Is National Hunger Action Month

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL HUNGER ACTION MONTH

MT. CALVARY COMMUNITY SUPPER of ACTON SEEKS YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR NEIGHBORS

For several years, our Nation has been deeming September “Hunger Action Month.” There is no doubt that 2020 has brought heightened awareness to the substantially increased need to focus on providing assistance for those experiencing food insecurity during COVID 19. Mt. Calvary Community Supper encourages everyone to join with our partner, The Greater Boston Food Bank, to spread the word of the need to support the millions of citizens who are experiencing a shortage of food for their families. To kick off the awareness of Hunger Action Month, the Greater Boston Food Bank and the City of Boston are going ORANGE on Hunger Action Day® – Thursday, September 10. Boston landmarks like the Prudential Center Building, Boston City Hall, and the Zakim Bridge will light up orange.

#Every Action Counts encourages all of us to become involved in stopping hunger in our nation. So what can we do to help our residents in Acton and the surrounding towns who are experiencing this crisis? At Mt. Calvary Community Supper, the only active community supper in Acton, we have not missed a week to continue with our mission to aid with food insecurity and provide friendship. Since being established in April of 2012, over 36,000 meals have been served to guests. Prior to March 18, 2020, families with children, singles, groups of friends and seniors, all sat down to enjoy a meal in the light, airy hall of the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church at 472 Mass Avenue in Acton. However, we now have created a “drive-thru” Take Out Supper due to COVID 19 restrictions on inside dining. Our last inside Supper in March had 85 guests but now we cook 170 meals to provide the increased needs of our neighbors. Each week our very brave volunteers follow strict COVID safety guidelines and dedicate themselves to making certain guests still receive a nutritious meal and a brief bit of social interaction. Though we are not able to have a sit-down dinner or spend time exchanging handshakes and hugs, it is gratifying to know those who come are all having at least one healthy dinner every Wednesday and a sincere, "Hi, so good to see you today. Please, be safe. See you next week." Food and Friendship are in abundance in the driveway of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. And there are many smiles behind the masks.

Hunger Action Month is a call for everyone to look around and see how we can help our neighbors. There is no doubt that we are living in extraordinary times. The pandemic has impacted every person in our Nation. It is through the kindness of our partners that we at Mt. Calvary Community Supper are all feeling the love and welcome all who join us during this challenging time of COVID-19. As a non-profit organization, we sincerely appreciate sponsorship from charities and civic organizations, religious groups, scouts, students and local businesses. As our number of guests grows, Mt. Calvary Community Supper is also seeking your support. Should you, individually or with a group of friends, wish to recognize an organization, family or a loved one, please, consider donating a unique gift of love by joining Mt. Calvary Community Supper in the fight to alleviate hunger and social isolation for our neighbors in need. $30 will provide ten guests a delicious dinner. An entire night’s supper for all who roll in the driveway can be sponsored for $350. Should you wish to sponsor a meal, we welcome you to join us as cooks, prep staff or distributors throughout the evening. It is very heartwarming to see and hear the appreciation of all our guests.

Questions can be directed to Mike Tobia at 508-243-3891 and checks may be mailed to the Mt. Calvary Community Supper, P.O. Box 1125, Acton, MA 01720.

Thank you so much for your support and believing in our mission to alleviate food insecurity and social isolation in our community. Thank you for joining our Nation and the call in recognition of September as Hunger Action Month.