For every one in six people in the United States, hunger is a reality. To help raise awareness around this issue, T.G.I. Friday’s is encouraging its restaurants and team members around the country to take action during Hunger Action Month in September by donating time at a local Feeding America food bank or by coordinating with a local food bank to provide meals for those in need.

Feeding America is the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity and supplies food to 37 million people each year through its network of more than 200 food banks. Hunger Action Month is an annual call-to-action effort by Feeding America to mobilize people everywhere to get involved with fighting hunger in America. As part of its Responsible Business Strategy, Friday’s is supporting Feeding America and Hunger Action Month for the second year in a row.

“We understand our obligation to the communities we live and work in and to those in need,” says Derek Young, director of responsible business at T.G.I Friday’s. “Hunger is a serious issue in our country today and we are proud to bring the pride, passion, and personality of the Friday’s brand to bear on this incredibly important concern.”

Hunger Action Month extends the work Friday’s is already doing with Feeding America through the T.G.I. Friday’s World Bartender Championship, from which all proceeds are donated to the organization. Last year, Friday’s raised enough money to donate approximately 2.4 million meals for Feeding America through the World Bartender Championship.

“It’s a shame that in the ‘land of plenty’ there are people who have to worry about how they will get their next meal,” says Leah Ray, vice president of corporate partnerships at Feeding America. “Together we can spread the word that “Hunger is real, hunger is solvable, and action matters. Everyone can make a difference, and we are proud to partner with Friday’s as they help us spread the word about Hunger Action Month.”