New initiative helps fight hunger in Tri-State – WSAZ

Report on a Multi-State Partnership to Advance Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger

Executive Summary

This report details the “(un)Hungry” initiative, a collaborative effort launched by Highmark in partnership with Facing Hunger Foodbank and Mountaineer Food Bank. The program is designed to combat regional food insecurity, directly contributing to the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

Initiative Overview

The “(un)Hungry” initiative was established to raise awareness and generate monetary and food donations during the holiday season. The program represents a significant public-private partnership aimed at alleviating hunger across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The initiative’s core mission is to end hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious food. It directly serves an average of 130,000 people, a number that has risen to nearly 200,000 during periods of increased need. The program’s objective aligns perfectly with the targets of SDG 2.
• SDG 1: No Poverty: By providing essential food aid, the program mitigates a significant financial burden on low-income families. This action directly supports the goal of reducing poverty in all its forms, as households can reallocate limited financial resources to other essential needs.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Food security is a fundamental determinant of health. By providing consistent access to meals, the initiative contributes to improved nutrition and overall well-being for vulnerable populations, a key component of SDG 3.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The collaboration between Highmark, a corporate entity, and 15 regional food banks exemplifies the multi-stakeholder partnership model promoted by SDG 17. This strategic alliance leverages corporate resources and non-profit expertise to achieve common development goals.

Key Metrics and Impact

1. Service Population: The program serves an average of 130,000 individuals across West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky through the Facing Hunger Foodbank alone, with peak service reaching approximately 200,000 people.
2. Financial Efficiency: Each dollar donated through the program is converted into nine meals for families in need, demonstrating a highly effective use of resources.
3. Geographic Scope: The partnership extends across four states, including Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, and West Virginia, involving a total of 15 food banks.
4. Long-Term Commitment: Highmark has announced its intention to conduct the “(un)Hungry” initiative on an annual basis, ensuring sustained support for the SDGs.

Conclusion

The “(un)Hungry” initiative serves as a targeted and effective model for addressing critical development challenges at a regional level. Through strategic partnerships and a clear focus on food security, the program makes a measurable contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), while also advancing progress on poverty reduction, health, and collaborative action.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights issues that are directly connected to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The primary focus of the article is on the “(un)Hungry” initiative, a collaboration created to “help fight food insecurity in our region.” The entire mission of the Facing Hunger Foodbank, as stated by Aaron Arnold, is “ending hunger in West Virginia and the counties we serve.” This directly aligns with the core objective of SDG 2.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article details a collaboration between multiple entities to achieve a common goal. It explicitly mentions that “Highmark has announced a collaboration with Facing Hunger Foodbank and Mountaineer Food Bank” and later adds that “Highmark partnered with 15 food banks throughout Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and West Virginia.” This multi-sector partnership between a private company (Highmark) and civil society organizations (food banks) is a clear example of the principle behind SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 2.1: “By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.”
   • Explanation: The initiative’s purpose is to raise awareness and donations to combat food insecurity. The article states that the funds and food obtained “will benefit all of our tri-state families” and that the program provides “nine meals for families in need” for every dollar raised. This directly contributes to ensuring access to sufficient food for people in need, which is the essence of Target 2.1.
2. Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.”
   • Explanation: The article describes a partnership between Highmark, a private entity, and 15 food banks, which are civil society organizations. The collaboration, named the “(un)Hungry” initiative, leverages the resources of the private sector (Highmark) to support the mission of the non-profits. The article notes that Highmark will do this “yearly,” indicating a long-term commitment to this public-private/civil society partnership, which is the focus of Target 17.17.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several data points that can serve as indicators for measuring progress:

• For Target 2.1:
  • Implied Indicator (related to Indicator 2.1.1: Prevalence of undernourishment): The article provides statistics on the number of people requiring food assistance. It states that Facing Hunger Foodbank “on average they service 130,000 people,” and this number increased to “closer to 200,000” during the government shutdown. These figures serve as a direct measure of the prevalence of food insecurity in the region they serve and can be used to track the scale of the problem over time.
• For Target 17.17:
  • Implied Indicator (related to Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships): While a total dollar amount is not given, the article provides a key metric for the partnership’s financial resource mobilization: “every dollar raised through the program translates into nine meals for families in need.” This metric directly links monetary donations (financial commitment) to the partnership’s tangible output (meals provided), serving as an indicator of the partnership’s effectiveness and resourcing strategy. The number of partners involved (Highmark and 15 food banks) also acts as a qualitative indicator of the scale of the partnership.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wsaz.com