LaFayette, GA – The Walker County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation last night declaring November as Hunger Free Month in Walker County.

The designation is designed to encourage citizens, churches and non-profit organizations to make the community stronger by combating hunger.

Nearly 70% of children in Walker County live in a food insecure environment and face the risk of hunger each day. The North Georgia Community YMCA has been working with the Walker County and Chickamauga City School systems to combat hunger through the Backpack Blessings and Summer Food program. These programs help feed nearly 700 students by providing them with a bag packed with seven nutritious, non-perishable food items each Friday to reduce weekend hunger.

It costs about $30,000 to support local student hunger programs each year. This Sunday, there will be a “Giving Day Among Churches” to encourage donations to Backpack Blessings. There will also be another opportunity to impact hunger by making a donation during Giving Tuesday on November 30.

More information about the Backpack Blessings program is available from the YMCA. Visit the link to learn how you can get involved by volunteering to pack food bags or through a financial contribution.