NEW YORK, March 18, 2020 /EEW MAGAZINE/ -- Empowering Everyday Women Ministries, a Western NY-based Christian nonprofit founded by Dianna Hobbs, this week announced its efforts to support food banks and fight hunger during the coronavirus pandemic.

The organization will direct monetary donations in March and April to feed the hungry through its “Plus One Campaign” that encourages those who are blessed with a little extra to care for their family plus one other family during this global pandemic.

“My team and I are concerned about the millions of individuals, families and seniors who need food banks to eat,” said CEO Hobbs, 43. “Supplies are running low as demand is increasing. But if we pull together and become our brother and sister’s keeper, we can assist those who are in desperate need of help.”

Millions of people live paycheck to paycheck and are facing real life disruptions due to school closures, unemployment, and lack of paid sick leave. Low-income families need the nutrition provided by food banks, soup kitchens and pantries to feed their families and stay healthy.

“As coronavirus spreads, there are empty shelves at food banks, pantries and soup kitchens that give food to those in need,” says a blog post on Empowering Everyday Women’s official nonprofit website, adding, “and we can’t stand idly by and let it happen.”

The most recent USDA food security report says more than 37 million people—11 million being children— face hunger. Those numbers could potentially skyrocket during the pandemic without the help of charitable organizations and the generous public.

An Associated Press report notes that food banks have for years been increasing the amount of food they deliver to pantries that pass it along to needy people, but the economic upheaval caused by COVID-19 is expected to cause demand to significantly spike.

For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness. Most people recover from the virus.

To support the nonprofit’s efforts, visit EmpoweringEverydayWomen.org.