One in 6 Americans faces hunger, including more than 1 in 5 children, the Feeding America website shows.
That translates to 49 million people in the United States, according to Feeding America, a network of more than 200 food banks. The network includes High Plains Food Bank in Amarillo.
Many food banks are shining a spotlight on the issue this month, dubbed Hunger Action Month. High Plains Food Bank has taken a couple of partners in its efforts to raise awareness and funds.
Bakersville Cupcakes, 5114 S. Western St., will be making a new maple-bacon cupcake throughout September. Each one sold will mean 12 meals for High Plains Food Bank, according to food bank information.
Palace Coffee Co., 420 15th St. in Canyon, will give five meals to the food bank when customers order any "Cause" drink from the shop's drink menu, a food bank news release said.
High Plains has distributed more than 5.1 million pounds of donated food and grocery products so far this year. It delivered 610,000 pounds of food last year, according to Broc Carter, director of communications.
"Our food donations are down, so we have had to purchase an extensive amount this past summer," Carter said. "But, thanks to donations, we are able to purchase with $1 what others pay $10 for, so it isn't all bad.
"Of course, the more we have donated, the less we have to purchase."
Inventory is lower than desired right now, but that's common at the end of summer, Carter said.
"We need as many as can to have a food drive to help us replenish," he said.
The food bank sends goods to an estimated 165 charitable agencies and churches that operate food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, after-school programs and Kids Cafes in 29 Texas Panhandle counties.