Substantial, nutritious food is critical to an individual’s ability to thrive. Yet, neighbors across DuPage County lack consistent access to enough food for every person in their household to live an active, healthy life. This is defined as “food insecurity” which leads to hunger.  

September is widely recognized as Hunger Action Month, a time to raise awareness about hunger in our region. Originally established by Feeding America, Hunger Action Month has evolved into a powerful movement that inspires local communities to take action against hunger.

The GardenWorks Project takes action every day to help our neighbors grow their own produce to ensure their family has access to healthy foods. In collaboration with community partners and supporters across the suburbs, we take action every day to get more produce into food pantries and make healthier choices available.

YOU can take action with us – this month and beyond.

Join the movement to fight hunger from the ground up in any of the ways below. Every action―big or small―is one step closer to a food secure future where everyone has access to fresh, nutritious foods. 

Ways to Take Action Against Hunger With GardenWorks: 

1. Donate to Support GardenWorks Programs

Monetary donations make a direct impact on hunger relief efforts. Whether you make a one-time donation or contribute monthly with GardenWorks, know that your gift supports programs that improve access to fresh food for DuPage individuals and families facing food insecurity. 

TAKE ACTION: Make a donation 

2. Volunteer with GardenWorks

As a volunteer-driven organization, we depend on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission. Whether you volunteer in the gardens, assist with events, or organize your own fundraiser, your support is invaluable in helping us make a difference. Join our volunteer team today. 

TAKE ACTION: Fill out our volunteer form & join the team

3. Contribute to the GardenWorks September Food Drive

We’re hosting a Food Drive to help our local partners, People’s Resource Center and Hamdard Health Alliance, stock their shelves and refrigerators. On September 26 between 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., bring donations to our GardenWorks Resource Center office. GardenWorks staff will be on hand to accept your donations, and we will be harvesting produce on-site. 

TAKE ACTION: Here’s how to contribute to the food drive

• Donate freshly grown produce from your home or community garden
• Contribute produce purchased from your local farmer’s market or grocer
• Provide shelf-stable items such as canned soups, canned tuna and chicken, pasta and rice
• Provide non-food items such as diapers, shampoo, body soap

Dropoff directions:

Date: Thursday, September 26
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: The GardenWorks Project Resource Center Office
2100 Manchester Road, #970, Wheaton, 60187
Directions: Our Resource Center is located in The Grove Office Park, on the south side of Manchester Road, just west of the DuPage County Fairgrounds. Enter The Grove parking lot and follow the yellow signs towards Building B/Leasing office. Enter on the southside of Building B, Door 900.

4. Sponsor our 7th annual fundraiser HARVEST AGAINST HUNGER

Businesses, organizations and community groups can sponsor our Harvest Against Hunger fundraiser event, being held on October 19 at the DuPage County Historical Museum. Showcase your dedication to food security and ensure your local community has access to fresh, nutritious foods. 

TAKE ACTION: Learn more and become an event sponsor

5. Support our 7th annual fundraiser HARVEST AGAINST HUNGER

Join us for our 7th annual Harvest Against Hunger fundraiser at the DuPage Historical Museum on Saturday, October 19! From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., immerse yourself in the rich history of the museum’s exhibits while enjoying a delightful array of food, beverages, and music. Your support helps cultivate a brighter, more food secure future.

TAKE ACTION:

Get your tickets today and invite friends to join you!

Can’t attend? Support the fundraiser with a financial donation

6. Grow Produce for your Neighbors at Food Pantries

Home and community growers, nurseries, and farms – make a difference by providing healthy, fresh grown food to families throughout the suburbs. Donate your garden-grown produce to your local food pantry. Check out our free Fresh Food Connect app to make the process easy and let us track our impact.  

TAKE ACTION: Steps to Donate

• Download the App: Available on iOS and Android.
• Register/Login: Create an account or log in.
• Harvest Produce: No amount is too small!
• Register Your Donation: Enter details about your produce donation.
• Deliver Produce: Drop-off your donation, knowing you are making a difference!

7. Host your own Fundraiser

Organize a personal fundraiser to support The GardenWorks Project’s efforts. This could be a social media campaign, a bake sale, a dinner party, or a trivia night. Get creative and involve friends and family to bring people together for an important cause this month. 

TAKE ACTION: Search online for inspiration and create your fundraiser today.

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By taking action, you contribute to the fight against hunger and help create a future where everyone has access to the fresh, nutritious foods they need. Every action―big or small―gets us one step closer to ending hunger.

Thank you for taking action with us to Fight Hunger From The Ground Up! 

To get involved with GardenWorks:

To learn about volunteer, sponsorship, and educational opportunities, or to make a donation to strengthen food security and access in your community, visit gardenworksproject.org or email us at info@gardenworksproject.org. Follow us on social media or register for our monthly email newsletter to stay current on local events and activities.