FOOD Share Ventura County receives proclamation for National Hunger Action Month efforts

(VENTURA, CA) - On September 15, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors presented FOOD Share, Ventura County´s largest regional food bank, with a signed proclamation to recognize September as Hunger Action Month, a national effort to raise awareness in the fight against hunger in communities across America.

Supervisor and Board Chair Steve Bennett, First District, presented the certificate to FOOD Share CEO Bonnie Weigel and FOOD Share Board President Melissa Livingston.

"FOOD Share is so honored to receive this recognition by our esteemed Board of Supervisors," Weigel said. "The plight of hunger in our community and across the nation commands a continued effort from us all to ensure no one goes hungry."

Supervisor Kathy Long, Third District, who was present at the ceremony, said in a statement: "I know the Board of Supervisors has supported the great work of Food Share for decades and I have served numerous times as ´honorary´ for campaigns, served on the Advisory Board and visited the warehouse for various events over the years. FOOD Share fills a significant gap of need for the poor and low-income families. As a County that provides a safety net to the same population for healthcare and other services, having FOOD Share strengthen that safety net is invaluable to our community."

"It is staggering to know that in our ´affluent´ county, we have children and families who go hungry," Long continued. "We have seen a 30-40 percent increase in need for services in our human service programs and I expect this increase is also reflected in the need for food."

About FOOD Share

A major food bank distributing millions of pounds of food each year to those in need throughout Ventura County, FOOD Share collects and receives food year-round, distributing to more than 150 partner agencies throughout Ventura County. Its Brown Bag and Snack Attack programs provide supplemental nutrition to about 2,200 low income seniors through 32 agencies and healthy nutritious after school snacks to approximately 1,800 children though 12 agencies countywide and provides food to more than 40,000 people each month. For more information on any programs, including becoming a volunteer or a sponsor, call (805) 983-7100 or visit www.foodshare.com.