Hunger Action Month: Helping End Hunger in Our Communities

September is Hunger Action Month. This is a time to take action against hunger in our communities. No one should have to go hungry. But too many individuals and families are struggling to have enough food. 

This September, we all have a chance to help the hungry around us. You can volunteer at a local food bank, donate to hunger relief organizations, or advocate for changes to help end hunger. Every act of service makes a difference. 

Out-of-school time (OST) programs are in a unique position to support families dealing with hunger. OST staff have relationships with the children and families they serve. They can connect families to food assistance resources like food pantries, meal programs, SNAP assistance and Free & Reduced Lunch programs. OST providers can also partner with hunger relief groups to host food distributions. 

For OST staff, this month is a chance to ensure you have the latest resources and training to help families. Create open dialogues where youth can discuss hunger struggles without shame. Support their experiences and share information on available support. 

For parents facing hunger, reach out to your OST program for help. Staff can guide you to food assistance in the community. They can also empower you to advocate for your family's needs. As the experts on your own situation, you are key partners in addressing hunger. 

As we reflect on hunger in our communities, let's begin this September. With compassion and cooperation, we can work toward a world where everyone has access to nutritious food. This is the spirit of Hunger Action Month - let's create lasting, positive change.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 

Expand your understanding of food insecurity with these videos and podcasts about the realities of hunger. 

• Running a food-program out of your OST program  (podcast)
• Why feeding one belly feeds many  (podcast) 
• How to create a safe food space (video) 
• Food Insecurity Program Panel (video)

 Suicide Prevention Month: Supporting Youth Mental Health

We live in a rapidly changing world that can be complex to navigate and have a significant impact on our mental health – for better or worse. Finding a sense of calm and focusing on well-being when you are having mental health concerns can be daunting in our fast-paced society. It can be especially challenging to know where to start. 

September is Suicide Prevention Month and WOSTA is raising awareness of the important role mental health plays in our lives. We are encouraging OST program staff to take action toward prioritizing their mental health and overall well-being, as well as the mental health and well-being of youth in our programs and communities.

There are many national resources available to support you in these efforts such as Supporting Young Minds from Mental Health America, Lifeline Youth Focused Resources from 988, and resources on How to Start a Conversation from the Seize the Awkward campaign. 

Expand your understanding of mental health and well-being with these videos and podcasts sharing strategies to support adult and youth mental health in Out of School Time programs. 

Mental and Emotional Wellness YouTube playlist which includes webinars and short videos on a variety of topics including: naming and taming emotions; caring for ourselves and our children in a different world; our response to stress and what we can do about it; impacts of traumatic stress on children; having hard conversations with youth; and working with gender diverse youth.

• Having Hard Conversations with Youth About Mental Health (podcast)
• Why Connections Matter with the Office of Children’s Mental Health (podcast) 
• Burnout and What To Do About It (podcast)