Rhode Island anti-hunger group grows and expands its work

‘1 of 52’ Hunger Network Expands Scope

PROVIDENCE, RI: The ‘1 of 52’ Hunger Network, a non-profit that connects individuals who use their unique talents to take action to help end hunger in one week annually, has expanded its scope. The network has grown from its roots in Rhode Island and now has chapters started in 22 states. 

Eventually every state will have a network of 52 members, each member representing one week of the year, all taking ongoing action to help end hunger. Thousands in donations, tons of food and mass awareness have been directed to support existing hunger agencies.  Members of this strength-in-numbers network are folks from all walks of life who unite their individual actions behind one goal: creating food secure communities.

The concept is based on the belief that food security can only happen in one place; in the community, and can only come about in one way; with individuals taking direct action in their community. The ‘1 of 52’ Hunger Network serves to prompt and unite these actions trough a simple, grassroots method of organizing. 

Members are asked to use their unique talents (everybody has one!) to take action in a minimum of one week annually. Members are asked to take action soup-to-nuts and range from organizing simple community food drives up to full blown benefit concerts. 

Founder Steve Maciel notes that dispersing responsibility allows the network to grow exponentially. The National Organization of Hunger Agencies has identified this crucial factor as necessary to help create the political will to end hunger in the United States.

The ‘1 of 52’ Hunger Network is seeking support for these upcoming member events:

~ On June 20^th at 6pm (doors at 5:30), the Contemporary Theater Company, 327 Main St., Wakefield, RI, hosts an annual 1 of 52 Hunger Network Member Concert featuring over a dozen renown performers. A portion of proceeds and a food drive benefit area food pantries.

~ Starting on June18th and running every Thursday dusk to 9pm throughout the summer (weather permitting), the Wakefield Village Association has invited ‘1 of 52’ Member musicians to perform on the banks of RiverFire. The events are free, attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items to benefit the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale. The inaugural music performance is being donated by local favorite Jason Colonies.

~ On the weekend of July 17^th - 19^th, Hunger activist Chakulla and Friends will bring the Hunger Bus to the Hot Air Balloon Fest at the URI Campus to ‘sing out for food’. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. 

Last year, the Food Bank distributed 9.9 million pounds of food through its network of 169 member agencies at 214 sites. The Food Bank’s member agencies now serve more than 63,000 people every month. Watch for the Hunger Bus as it criss-crosses the North East this summer raising food, funds and awareness for the cause.

~ On Saturday, July 18^th from 11am to 1 pm at Java Madness in Wakefield, RI, long time 1 of 52 Hunger Network Member Glenn Dewell will be holding his annual food drive. Glenn always presents a talented line-up as he collects food and funds to benefit local and state-wide food agencies. Java Madness often donates 10% of food proceeds at the numerous hunger benefits they host.

~ On Sunday, August 9^th at 6pm at the Crown Plaza, Warwick, RI, the 1 of 52 Hunger Network has been invited to host a food drive to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank at one of the state’s premier charity events; the 15^th annual Rock ‘n’ Jock Charities. The Rock-N-Jock Charities Night of Entertainment features John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, Steve Smith & The Nakeds, Skip Martin (Kool & the Gang, Dazz Band), and The Temptations Revue.

This event also marks a new partnership with ‘Hunger Down’ whose primary mission is to encourage all entertainment venues and annual events to collect food contributions on a regular basis. Hunger Down partners also include the RI Music Hall of Fame, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, MusicTown, Midday Records, We Share Hope and RIBASE.

~ The 8^th Annual Polycystic Kidney Disease Two Day Rock Festival starts at 5pm on Friday, September 11^th at Providence Firefighters Memorial Hall, Providence, RI. The festival features top area bands to benefit the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation to further research leading to treatments and a possible cure. A food drive to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank is held both days.

~ On Saturday, August 15^th, starting at Noon at Goddard Memorial Park in Warwick, RI, the RISING annual Summer Music Festival has added a food drive to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

~ On Saturday, December 5^th, Local United Network to Combat Hunger (LUNCH) holds their annual Holiday show in Stonington, CT. LUNCH have been designating their Holiday Show as part of their ‘1 of 52’ Member action since 1999 and has been combining Arts, Education, and Community Outreach Since 1989.

~ 2015 marks the 15^th Anniversary of the release of the “Time Is Now” Hunger Benefit Compilation. This critically acclaimed album is comprised of original songs revolving around the theme of ending hunger. Events centered on the compilation’s re-release are being planned throughout the North East.

Learn details on all upcoming benefit events and how you, as an individual, can make a major difference at www.1of52.net.