The spoon is the utensil most often used to prepare and provide food for others, so “spoon selfies” are part of this year’s effort to raise awareness about hunger. It’s easy to join in. Just balance a spoon on your nose, and post a selfie including a message on Facebook at Upper Valley Haven, or use the hashtag ‪#‎Spoontember, ‪#‎HungerActionMonth, or ‪#‎HavenGoOrange.

Here’s a suggested message—“I’m taking a spoon selfie to raise awareness for the 1 in 6 Americans struggling with hunger.” Variations on this theme are welcome. The more the merrier!

For National Hunger Action Month 2015, a friend of the Haven will match cash donations specifically directed to the Food Shelf. That means each dollar donated will double to help purchase more food at a lower cost.

The Food Shelf provides a week’s supply of healthy groceries once a month (including meat, dairy, and produce) and unlimited access to bread and produce to anyone in need. The Healthy Eating Program addresses food-shelf visitors’ needs for inexpensive and nutritious options. The program helps develop healthful and budget-conscious recipes, on-site food preparation using ingredients found at the Food Shelf, and food sampling with handouts for the corresponding recipes.

The time, special skills, and dedication that volunteers contribute are an essential element of the Haven community. Volunteers support programs and provide the services that the Upper Valley Haven offers. Over 600 volunteers spend an average of 2,625 hours a month serving the Haven on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly schedule. Schools, churches, private groups, and businesses participate in special events to make the Haven a livelier, healthier, and more vibrant community center.