Hunger is up 24 percent in Washington state, and growing numbers of people in King County don't have enough to eat. People have to choose between paying rent and buying groceries, and children are going to bed hungry. Join United Way of King County in our quest to create a hunger-free community—here and now. Here are 5 easy ways you can step up and make a real difference:

1. Take our Hunger Challenge. Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner spending only $7 a day. That's the reality for many people who rely on food stamps.
2. Volunteer. Serve a meal, stock a food pantry—find hundreds of ways to get involved by searching United Way of King County's volunteer matching tool.
3. Share. Post your thoughts, stories, photos, recipes and more on United Way of King County's blog. Tell everyone you know about Hunger Action Week and encourage them to get involved.
4. Advocate. Let your voice be heard! Participate in Hunger Action Day in Olympia on January 29 or contact your legislators by phone or e-mail.
5. Give money to our Response for Basic Needs. Your gift will increase support for local food banks by helping a local cannery save fresh foods that might otherwise perish. The newly canned food will be distributed to local food banks, reducing their need to purchase such items.

Hungry for more?

• Learn about our Hunger Relief Now! Plan.
• Check out United Way's hunger fact sheet. Knowledge drives action to end hunger.
• Click here for a list of more things you can do to help.