Modern Prairie Gives Back
A Message from Melissa
There's always been room at our table for one more. This September, for Hunger Action Month, we're setting a place for our neighbors: the children, families, and older adults facing hunger, and sometimes loneliness, too. Watch Melissa's message, then scroll down to meet the three organizations we're supporting and find the ways you can help locally.
Set One More Place
We've chosen three organizations whose work, together, tells one story: nourishing our neighbors at every stage of life.
A Single Bite: Supporting Children & Families Locally
In Sullivan County, where our co-founder Melissa Gilbert and Chef Cheryl live, A Single Bite meets childhood hunger with nourishing, scratch-made meals, hands-on food education, and partnerships with local farmers. It's a cause close to our hearts, and this month we're helping share its work with our whole community. Just $10 sets a family meal for three - a simple way to pull up another chair.
Round Up! For the month of September, any purchase at Modern Prairie can be rounded up with all proceeds benefitting A Single Bite.
Meals on Wheels: Caring for Older Neighbors
For many older adults, a warm meal and a friendly knock at the door are the difference between isolation and connection. Meals on Wheels nourishes older neighbors and keeps them company. You can help by delivering a meal or writing a thoughtful note.
If you are interested in local volunteering or looking for services for a loved one, click the link below.
Feeding America: Connecting Our Community Nationally
Hunger Action Month is Feeding America's national September campaign, and its network of more than 200 food banks means there's a way to help right in your own community.
Find your nearest food bank to donate, volunteer, or drop off a needed item.
The three organizations above are who we're supporting nationwide. On the map below, you'll find something closer to home: local events hosted by our Trusted Prairians, the members opening up their own communities so you can roll up your sleeves alongside them.
Click on your state to see a Modern Prairie event happening in your neck of the woods. Don't see something in your area? Click here for more options.
#MPGives
Please be sure to follow us on social media to see behind-the-scenes footage of the events!
“As you read my stories of long ago I hope you will remember that things truly worthwhile and that will give you happiness are the same now as they were then.
It is not the things you have that make you happy. It is love and kindness and helping each other and just plain being good.”
— Laura Ingalls Wilder
California
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Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County
Learn MoreTrusted Prairian: Nicole Haase
Location: Irvine, CA 92618
Date: 09/15/26
Time: 12:30-3:00pm
Where: Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, 8014 Marine Way
What: Indoor Distribution Center shift: sort and inspect produce, packaged food, crates and boxes for partner-network distribution
Number of Spaces: 21, volunteers age 13+
Colorado
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Community Fruit Rescue
Learn MoreTrusted Prairian: Kim Schmidt
Location: Boulder County, CO (exact harvest site TBD, in or around Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, or Erie)
Date: Late September, TBD (targeting the weekend of 9/25 to 9/26; confirmed about one to two weeks out based on which trees are ripe)
Time: TBD, approximately 2 hours
What: A private, Modern Prairie-only fruit harvest. Volunteers get a short orientation on site, then pick and sort surplus fruit from a local tree. The fruit is shared with neighbors facing food insecurity through partners like Community Food Share, Boulder Food Rescue, and Longmont Food Rescue, and volunteers take home a portion of the bounty too. Family-friendly and open to all ages.
Number of Spaces: Approximately 20
Please feel free to reach out to Kim if you're interested and she'll let you know once the details have been confirmed. Email: kim@modernprairie.com
Georgia
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Rise Against Hunger
Learn MoreTrusted Prairian: Lisa Weldon
Location: Atlanta, GA 30342
Date: 09/13/26
Time: 12:00-3:00pm
Where: St. James UMC, 4400 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE
What: Meal-packing event
Number of Spaces: Open to MP members; goal: 120 volunteers, 36,000 meals and $14,500
Missouri
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Ozarks Food Harvest
Learn MoreTrusted Prairian: Sherry Keller
Location: Springfield, MO 65803
Date: 09/12/26
Time: 1:00-4:00pm
Where: Ozarks Food Harvest, 2810 N Cedarbrook Ave
What: Food-bank production-line volunteer session
Number of Spaces: 5
New Jersey
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Toni's Kitchen
Learn MoreTrusted Prairian: Laura Carney
Location: Montclair, NJ 07042
Date: 09/26/26
Time: 10:30am-1:00pm
Where: St. Luke's Church, 73 South Fullerton Ave
What: Come wash dishes with Laura or check out other volunteer opportunities in the link below.
Number of Spaces: MP members may participate; individuals register on organization website.
New York
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St. Peter's Kitchen
Register HereTrusted Prairian: Deb McGwin
Location: Rochester, NY 14611
Date: 09/12/26
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Where: St. Peter's Kitchen, 681 Brown Street
What: Volunteers will help prepare food and supplies—such as sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetables, salads, desserts, and weekend meal bags. During lunch service, volunteers may assist with plating meals, (cafeteria style) serving drinks or desserts, and distributing food bags to approximately 180–230 guests, followed by light cleanup.
Number of Spaces: 8
RSVP: by 9/3/26
Washington
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Empty Bowls Camas
Learn MoreTrusted Prairian: Laura Bray
Location: Washougal, WA 98671
Date: 09/22/26
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Where: Empty Bowls Camas, 56 S 1st St
What: Ticketed community meetup and fundraiser
Number of Spaces: 400 tickets available, $35 per person
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Tri Parish Food Bank
Register HereTrusted Prairian: Debra Dodge
Location: Mt. Vernon, WA 98273
Date: 09/25/26
Time: 12:00-2:00pm
Where: Mt Vernon Calico Cupboard Cafe & Bakery, followed by the Tri Parish Food Bank
What:
- Come enjoy lunch with your fellow prairians! We will meet at Mt Vernon Calico Cupboard Cafe & Bakery at noon (Pacific times for this event) at 121-B Freeway Drive, Mt Vernon, WA. Located in Old Town Mount Vernon. Full restaurant menu will be available for you to purchase from. Parking is available.
- After lunch you are invited to bring your donations to the Tri Parish Food Bank at 935 Peterson Road, Burlington, WA. It's an easy 8-10 minute drive. If you prefer only lunch, Debra will deliver your donations for you.
- At delivery, you will also have the option to stay and help make up packages for client pick on Saturday! (ADA accessible)
Number of Spaces: 20
RSVP: by 9/12/26
Can't make it in-person but want to donate? Tri Parish Food Bank accepts monetary donations as well. Make your one-time or recurring donation here.
Wisconsin
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Modern Prairie Warehouse Sale
Learn MoreTrusted Prairian: Alison Sauer
Location: Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Date: 9/6/26
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Where: Modern Prairie Warehouse
What: Warehouse Sale + Donation Collection
Attendees: Warehouse visitors and local community