September is Hunger Action Month, and it’s not too late to do something to prevent one or more of your fellow citizens from growing hungry.

Census data shows that 12.6 % of Sandoval County residents live in poverty. That’s not as large as the statewide rate of 21.3%, but it still means a fair number of county residents are in need when it comes to getting adequate nutrition. Representatives from the Roadrunner Food Bank brought these numbers to light during a presentation at the September 1, 2016 meeting of the Sandoval County Commission.

Roadrunner Food Bank, based in Albuquerque, distributes more than 30 million pounds of food each year to a network of hundreds of partner agencies and four regional food banks. In turn, these agencies provide food directly to the hungry in communities across the state. 

In Sandoval County, Roadrunner Food Bank works with 12 different agencies, including People Helping People, Storehouse West and Casa Rosa.

To bring further attention to the need to close the hunger gap in Sandoval County and across New Mexico, Roadrunner Food Bank is asking supporters to take the Empty Plate Challenge during Hunger Action Month.

To take the challenge, on an empty plate, write, “On an empty stomach I can’t ______,” and fill in the blank with something you couldn’t achieve without the nutrition needed to thrive. Then, take a photo of the plate and share this message on your personal social media sites with the hashtag #HungerActionMonth.

If you want to be more active in fighting hunger, find out how at the Roadrunner Food Bank website.