September is Hunger Action Month and the LWV recognized that food program workers are in need of help, so they wanted to bring awareness about the needs in our community, and hopefully encourage more people to donate or volunteer for those organizations and any others that help address hunger.

According to the League’s website, 22% of local children are food insecure in Alpena County – almost three times the state level, based on 2023 data.

“One in four of our kids don’t know where their next meal is coming from,” LWV NEMI Vice President Elaine Stenger stated on the website. “This is critical.”

At Saturday’s event, Alpena Mayor Cindy Johnson read a proclamation that the municipal council adopted, proclaiming Sept. 20 “Hunger Heroes Day.”

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Alpena Mayor Cindy Johnson speaks to nonprofit leaders and attendees on Saturday at the Local Heroes Fighting Hunger event.

“On behalf of the city, I offer a heartfelt thank you to the League of Women Voters and to every organization and individual working tirelessly to support families in Alpena who struggle to make ends meet,” Johnson told attendees. “For those who must make impossible choices, including cutting back on food, your compassion and dedication make all the difference.”

She continued, “Because of your efforts, fewer children go to bed hungry, more parents can go to work with the energy they need, and more students can focus on school, thrive academically, and pursue their dreams. The support you provide today will ripple into the future as children grow into adults who understand the power of community, and give back in return.”

Nonprofit food program participants included Trinity Episcopal, the Boys and Girls Club of Alpena, Salvation Army of Alpena County, Alpena Community College, Feeding Kids Ministry, Hope Shores Alliance, Sunrise Mission, Grace Lutheran, All Saints Center of Charity (Friendship Room), Alpena Senior Citizens Center, Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency, and the Foodbank of Eastern Michigan.

“I am in awe of what you are doing, and staying with it,” LWV NEMI Vice President Elaine Stenger told the nonprofit leaders at the event. “We want to celebrate the frontline workers in this battle against hunger.”

Feeding Kids Ministry volunteer Angie Smith has enjoyed volunteering, and she thinks others would find value in it, too.

“This has been a program I’ve loved for many years,” Smith said. “As a teacher I’ve seen the benefits of it. It’s very dear to my heart.”

Darcy Christianson, Carol Lund, Barb Matteson, Julie McCallum, Sharon Sheldon, Deb Staeb, Katie Wolf were on the LWV committee that organized the event, which Stenger chaired.

“We’re not done,” Stenger told nonprofit leaders in attendance. “We will be in communication after today’s over, to figure out where we go from here, but we’re here for you, and we want to know, on an ongoing basis, how we can help.”

For more information, visit lwvnemi.org.

Reach News Community Editor Darby Hinkley at 989-358-5691 or dhinkley@TheAlpenaNews.com.