This August, we here at Food Bank For New York City are partnering with our friends at HungerMitao to raise money in support of our mission to fight hunger across the five boroughs. To learn more about HungerMitao Month (and how YOU can get involved with this important work) keep on reading below!
HungerMitao is a volunteer-driven, grassroots movement focused on raising awareness about hunger in the United States, particularly as it affects members of the Indian American community. For founders Raj G. & Aradhana (Anna) Asava, the movement is as much about eradicating food insecurity as it is about unifying Indian Americans in the fight against hunger.
Since its launch three years ago, HungerMitao (which translates to “wipe out hunger”) has raised over 35 million meals for low-income families through the Feeding America network of food banks, including clients we serve right here in NYC.
To learn more about how Raj and Anna came up with the idea to start HungerMitao, check out our video interview with them below!
HungerMitao Month is held every August in celebration of India’s Independence (with the official day of Independence falling on August 15). Since the goal of the movement is to engage and unite Indian Americans in the fight against hunger, founders Raj & Anna Asava have found it to be the perfect time to galvanize and activate for change.
But this year, the timing of HungerMitao Month has taken on an even deeper and more earnestly felt meaning. The truth is that many Americans are still reeling from the economic fallout of COVID-19. In New York City alone, food insecurity has increased by more than 44 percent due to the pandemic, which means that nearly 1.6 million New Yorkers are currently facing hunger.
To help, Raj & Anna are offering a $10,000 challenge match throughout August 31, which means that your participation in the campaign can go twice as far in helping to nourish our neighbors in need.
Thankfully, it’s easy to get involved in HungerMitao Month. You can either donate directly to our campaign, host an online fundraiser for your community, or help us raise awareness about issues of food insecurity and poverty in New York City. To learn more, click this link.