Community invited to participate in Hunger Action Month events throughout September.

MADISON, WI (September 1, 2026) – As food insecurity reaches unprecedented levels across southwestern Wisconsin, Second Harvest Foodbank is calling on community members to take action during Hunger Action Month this September.

According to new data from Feeding America’s annual Map the Meal Gap study, the number of food-insecure individuals across Second Harvest’s 16-county service area has increased by 92% over the past four annual reports. Current figures highlight an urgent crisis across southwestern Wisconsin:

  • 169,310 people (1 in 8 residents) are facing food insecurity—a 16% increase over last year.
  • 50,840 children under 18 (1 in 5 children) are food-insecure, reflecting a sharp 28% year-over-year jump.

“A statistic as stark as 1 in 5 children facing hunger can feel overwhelming,” said Michelle Orge, President and Executive Director of Second Harvest Foodbank. “But it is also a powerful reminder of why Hunger Action Month exists. When individuals, local businesses, and civic leaders take action to support the work of our network, we have the power to ensure every family in southwestern Wisconsin has enough nutritious food to thrive.”

Throughout September, local municipalities, including Madison, Fitchburg, Verona, and Middleton, are issuing official Hunger Action Month proclamations, while landmarks like Fitchburg City Hall and the WMTV studios will be illuminated in orange, the national symbolic color of hunger awareness.

Ways to Support Hunger Action Month

Community members can donate directly online at SecondHarvestSW.org/Donate or participate in upcoming local partner events:

  • Sept 1: Biergarten at Olbrich Park (4:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – A percentage of food and drink sales benefit Second Harvest.
  • Sept 2: Forward Madison FC Match (7:00 PM kickoff at Breese Stevens Field) – $5 from every ticket purchased via SecondHarvestSW.org/Forward supports the cause, plus a 50/50 in-game raffle.
  • Sept 4–30: Mr. Splash Car Wash Drive – Drop off non-perishable food items at any of eight area locations.
  • Sept 24: 105.5 Triple M Request-a-Thon (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM) – Call 608-204-8000 or request online at SecondHarvestSW.org/Request. The first $15,000 in donations will be matched by sponsors, including presenting sponsor Alliant Energy Foundation.
  • Sept 27: Working Draft Beer Meat Raffle (Starts at 2:00 PM) – 100% of profits benefit Second Harvest.
  • Sept 29: Go Orange Day – Wear orange and submit photos at WMTV15News.com/Orange. Thanks to Alliant Energy Foundation, each of the first 500 photos submitted can provide up to $100 in groceries for local families.
  • Sept 29: Pin Social (10:00 AM – 9:00 PM) – A percentage of mini-golf sales will be donated.
  • Sept 30: Fontana Sports 5k Run/Walk (5:30 PM) – 100% of the $5 participant donation directly supports area families needing food assistance.

To learn more about getting involved, visit SecondHarvestSW.org/HAM.

About Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
Since 1986, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin has been working with hundreds of local agencies and partners across 16 counties. We are southwestern Wisconsin’s largest hunger-relief organization, distributing tens of millions of pounds of food each year. Through food acquisition and distribution, advocacy, community partnerships, and the support of thousands of volunteers, we are making our vision of ensuring everyone in our community has access to enough nutritious food to thrive a reality. For more information, visit SecondHarvestSW.org.