Though it may feel like the Fourth of July was just last week, September is indeed here — and with it comes a look at poverty.The Powell City Council designated September “Hunger Awareness Month,” highlighting the fact that about 51,000 Wyoming residents struggle to provide proper nutrition.In the past two years, Wyoming's leaders have assuaged food costs statewide by eliminating taxes on groceries — making it easier for everyone to put dinner on the table.Mayor Scott Mangold encouraged people to use money saved from the food tax repeal to replenish local food banks' shelves.As a community, it is necessary to continue recognizing hunger as a local concern, but this month also provides a chance to spotlight global hunger.In a country where excess helps fuel obesity, it is easy to neglect real hunger issues globally.For millions around the world, a single daily meal is a struggle. The images of starving children abroad often fail to stir a desensitized American society.The need for assistance locally and globally is not new, nor is the plea for aid. Yet this is the first September to be “Hunger Awareness Month” in Powell, and it's a chance to tangibly address hunger at home and abroad.This awareness month should result in education, action and, hopefully, some full bellies.

Though it may feel like the Fourth of July was just last week, September is indeed here — and with it comes a look at poverty.The Powell City Council designated September “Hunger Awareness Month,” highlighting the fact that about 51,000 Wyoming residents struggle to provide proper nutrition.In the past two years, Wyoming's leaders have assuaged food costs statewide by eliminating taxes on groceries — making it easier for everyone to put dinner on the table.Mayor Scott Mangold encouraged people to use money saved from the food tax repeal to replenish local food banks' shelves.As a community, it is necessary to continue recognizing hunger as a local concern, but this month also provides a chance to spotlight global hunger.In a country where excess helps fuel obesity, it is easy to neglect real hunger issues globally.For millions around the world, a single daily meal is a struggle. The images of starving children abroad often fail to stir a desensitized American society.The need for assistance locally and globally is not new, nor is the plea for aid. Yet this is the first September to be “Hunger Awareness Month” in Powell, and it's a chance to tangibly address hunger at home and abroad.This awareness month should result in education, action and, hopefully, some full bellies.