Hunger Action Month shines spotlight on food insecurity
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Food banks across Southwestern Pennsylvania are marking Hunger Action Month, and warning that food insecurity in the region has eclipsed levels seen during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the region, 1 in 8 people are experiencing food insecurity, a result of cuts in federal assistance – including cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – and surging grocery costs, inflation, and shipping and fuel costs.
Greater Washington County Food Bank President and CEO George Omiros said the need for food assistance “is acute at this point,” noting the poverty rate in the county is higher than the state average. Of the more than 20,950 people who are food-insecure in the county, 20% are children and 30% are seniors.
In the past year, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank distributed more food than it has in history across the 11 counties it serves, including Washington and Greene counties.
Locally, there was an uptick in the number of people turning to food resources in both Greene and Washington counties, notably in summer meal programs for kids, officials at the Pittsburgh food bank said.
From July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, Pittsburgh Food Bank saw a 40% increase in the number of individuals using food bank resources in Greene County, and a nearly 17.9% increase in those in Washington County who used the food bank resources.
Said GWCFB’s Omiros, “Washington County faces persistent economic challenges that disproportionately affect the rural population and children, including food deserts, inadequate public transportation, and unemployment and underemployment that elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment.”
Hunger Action Month, established by the Feeding America Network in 2007, is a nationwide campaign held every September to raise awareness about food insecurity and inspire action to end hunger.
The monthlong campaign is a time “to celebrate the mission, amplify neighbor voices and recognize the collective impact of Food Bank staff, volunteers, partners and supporters,” the Pittsburgh Food Bank said.
Last year, the Greater Washington County Food Bank distributed more than 1.8 million pounds of food, including fresh produce, dairy, and other items, focusing on nutritious foods that support good health.
Food banks are being asked to do more with fewer resources, and Hunger Action Month is an opportunity to inspire people to help food banks as more local families turn toward charitable food sites to put meals on the table.
GWCFB offers distributions at 10 pantries, operates 18 senior food box locations, serves 15 senior high rises, partners with DoorDash for senior food box deliveries, and contributes to three school district pantries.
“We’re ensuring equitable access to nutritious food across Washington County,” said Omiros.
How can you help? Feeding Hunger is encouraging people to wear orange, the official color of the hunger-relier movement, to keep the issue of food insecurity in the public conversation. Throughout the region, businesses, skyline landmarks, and sports arenas will illuminate their facilities in orange.
Additionally, people are encouraged to donate to food banks. While canned goods and non-perishables are accepted, monetary donations are the best option.
“For every dollar we receive, we can leverage that to buy three times more in the volume of food,” said Omiros.
Advocate and speak up for policies that reduce hunger and protect access to food.
And consider volunteering at a food bank or local pantry to sort donations, pack emergency food boxes, distribute boxes at pantries, and more.