Sept. 29 is recognized as Hunger Action Day in Westchester County.
It's also the last day of Hunger Action Month for
Feeding Westchester. This month, they've called on residents, businesses, and local leaders to join the fight against hunger.
Various locations in the county are collecting food on their behalf. The Mario M. Cuomo Bridge was lit up in orange earlier this month for hunger awareness.
"The first thing that a family cuts from their budget is often food, and often it's nutritious food. What we want to be able to do is meet the need of not just being able to provide food, but nutritious food," said Kristine Borok, president and CEO of Feeding Westchester.
In the past year, the organization distributed just over 21 million pounds of food and provided over 17 million meals.
Their Elmsford distribution center recently increased its capacity and can now hold 40 million pounds of food, which Borok said highlights the great need.
"Food banks were set up for emergency response, and now we're actually being sought out as your regular place to find food," she said.
Feeding Westchester will conclude Hunger Action Day with a panel on Tuesday night that will explore the connection between nutrition and health outcomes.
Moving forward, Borok said anyone can host a food drive or fundraiser to support them and continue the fight against hunger.