Building Relationships, One Meeting at a Time: A Look at MAZON’s Hunger Action Month
One of the most powerful tools in the fight to end hunger is the relationships we build with those who represent us in the halls of power. During this year’s MAZON Hunger Action Month, those relationships were at the heart of our advocacy efforts. Whether participants were seasoned advocates or first-timers, the focus remained clear: creating and nurturing these vital connections.
During this year’s program, our goal was for Jewish community leaders to hold virtual or in-district meetings with lawmakers and their staff, centering on the Farm Bill. Our work, and that of our Jewish communities is deeply rooted in values of justice and action, drawing from sacred texts that call us to protect the most vulnerable. The Farm Bill moving through the House undermines these core values by weakening vital programs that help millions of families put food on the table.
I’ve heard firsthand from our Jewish community partners about the efforts they make to address both the immediate and long-term needs of those suffering from hunger. Yet, food insecurity cannot be solved by individuals or local communities alone. We depend on national policies to uphold and strengthen the anti-hunger safety net. As Jews, we are not only called to care for those in need but to actively challenge policies that perpetuate suffering. This sense of justice, deeply ingrained in our tradition, drives our advocacy as we engage with lawmakers to demand policies that reflect our values.
At its core, MAZON’s Hunger Action Month is about laying the foundation for long-term partnerships with lawmakers that can move the needle on food insecurity in the U.S. Our leaders don’t just show up once, they follow up and build rapport with congressional offices over time. Every interaction reinforces the idea that hunger is an issue their constituents care deeply about, and it keeps the conversation going long after the initial meeting. Year after year, Jewish communities join us, not just to amplify our message, but to build the political will needed for lasting change.
MAZON’s Hunger Action Month empowers our volunteers to take ownership of the movement. Participants stepped into their roles as advocates, finding confidence and meaning in building these connections. After a group in Massachusetts held three meetings in one day, a lay leader shared, “I walked away more proud to be a member of the temple.” In Georgia, a group that held one meeting last year grew to three this year. New voices emerged, volunteers shared their stories, and returning participants in Minnesota and Pennsylvania followed up with the same offices, continuing the conversation from last year.
And as we look ahead, these ongoing conversations with those that represent us and our communities will continue to serve as the foundation for the progress we seek. Through consistency and persistence, we can ensure that hunger is never off the agenda.