September 4 - National Food Bank Day

Happy National Food Bank Day! National Food Bank Day on the first Friday in September encourages you to commit to contributing to the cause that believes no one should go to bed hungry. 

Hunger may be as close as your neighbor or your coworker in the next cubical. Bare cupboards and empty stomachs look just like yours and mine behind closed doors. 

Food banks across the country help some of the forty-two million men, women and children who struggle with putting food on the table.  

The reasons range from illness to job loss and a general change in circumstances. Circumstances that can happen to anyone of us. 

For parents struggling to make ends meet, the ability to look their children in their eyes over a meal instead of into hungry eyes is a difference made by supporting food banks. Food banks fill the gap for those living on a meager budget.  

Many food banks offer educational opportunities that help people change their situation and begin anew. 

Often, those who have benefited from the programs return to volunteer and contribute to the very food bank that staved off hunger to do the same for others. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Help a neighbor, a friend, coworker or a child by making a donation. Volunteer at your local food bank. 

Food banks take nonperishable food items and cash donations every day. Check their needs list for the fresh items they are seeking. 

Use #NationalFoodBankDay to give your local food bank a shout out and to share on social media. 

HISTORY 

In 1967, St. Mary’s Food Bank founded National Food Bank Day to recognize the outstanding contributions of food banks around the country and to commemorate the establishment of St. Mary’s Food Bank by its founder John van Hengel. 

https://www.firstfoodbank.org 

American grassroots activist and entrepreneur John van Hengel is credited as being the "Father of Food Banking". 

He came up with the idea of grocery rescue and food banking and the idea spread throughout the country, making St. Mary’s Food Bank the very first in the world! In 2017, St. Mary’s celebrated its 50th anniversary! 

They distribute 250,000 meals on a daily basis through the efforts of dedicated staff, partner agencies and volunteers.  

Their mission is to alleviate hunger through the gathering and distribution of food while encouraging self-sufficiency, collaboration, advocacy and education. 

Beginning in 2017, the Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Food Bank Day to be observed annually on the first Friday of September. 

#NationalFoodBankDay 

@FeedingAmerica 

@stmarysfoodbank 

@StampOutHunger 

@firstfoodbank 

@nichecinema 

DATES 

September 03, 2021 
September 02, 2022 
September 01, 2023 
September 06, 2024 
September 05, 2025 
September 04, 2026 
September 03, 2027 
September 01, 2028 
September 07, 2029 

September 4 - National Wildlife Day

 

Happy National Wildlife Day! On September 4, this day encourages improved awareness of the species around us and in the broader world.  

This day focuses on endangered species, preservation, and conservation efforts around the world. Zoos, aviaries and marine sanctuaries provide a variety of ways to get involved.  

No matter where you live, opportunities abound to learn and participate in the day. Wildlife doesn’t only exist in the forest or outside the city limits. 

Look closely. The creatures and animals sharing our world live under our feet and in the sky above us. Our rivers, lakes and oceans are teeming with wildlife of all sizes.  

It’s essential to understand how we impact the habitats that animals need to survive. Their homes supply their food and shelter. 

  

When is National Take A Hike Day? 

Since wildlife relies on a stable habitat, understanding conservation and preservation is important.  

Developing strategies helps to maintain existing habitats and repair or replace those that have been destroyed. These strategies are especially important when a decline in a species is detected.  

For example, each year in August, International Whale Shark Day brings attention to the plight of the world’s largest fish. Despite efforts, the gentle giant continues to decline in numbers. 

https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/international-whale-shark-day-august-30/ 

Around the world, facilities and organizations will present seminars and educational programs. 

Additionally, podcasts and documentaries alert us to the changing conditions for various species around the world.  Some may be as close as your own back yard.  

From the sky to the depths of the ocean, wildlife surrounds us. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Participate in a presentation. Volunteer to fund-raise for rehabilitation services. Other ways to celebrate the day include: 

• 
  • Learn about the needs of endangered species and how conservation efforts work.  
• • While learning, implement your own techniques, as suggested by preservationists.  
• • Go on a wildlife walk and learn about the inhabitants near you. Visit the National Wildlife Federation™ to learn more. 

https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Educator-Tools 

  

Use #NationalWildlifeDay to post on social media. Share photos of your neighborhood wildlife or even those farther from home.  

"If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched. Share my wildlife with me. Because humans want to save things that they love." – Steve Irwin 

Educators can visit the National Day Calendar® Classroom for projects designed for their students.

https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/september-wildlife/ 

HISTORY 

In 2005, American author, photographer, animal rescuer and former medic Colleen Paige founded National Wildlife Day.  

Paige created the day in honor of and later in memory of Australian zookeeper, television personality, wildlife expert, environmentalist, and conservationist Steve Irwin.  

The global awareness day brings education to the public concerning the number of endangered animals and the need for conservation and preservation.  

What can you do to protect or donate towards conserving wildlife today? 

#NationalWildlifeDay 

@NationalWildlife 

@colleen_paige 

@nichecinema