Hunger in Our Communities

Hunger is a fact. Our communities can change that fact by becoming more involved. There are numerous initiatives and agencies working each day to feed families in need. You do not have to be unemployed to be faced with difficulties in feeding your family. You can simply be struggling with stretching your income between paychecks. Combined with record numbers of job losses, there is an ever increasing population that needs assistance.

You as a church member, member of a civic group, business owner, or just on an individual basis can help the hungry in your local area. Many churches have outreach ministries, soup kitchens and food pantries. Donating your time or financial resources can make a tremendous difference for your community's hungry. There also national initiatives that you can become involved with on a local level as well. Angel Food Ministries and Feeding America are just two entities. To locate others, you can search the internet or contact your local mayor/county manager's office.

Angel Food Ministries was created in 1994 and fed 34 families. Today it is available in many communities and feeds thousand each month. Any church can become a host site. Basic food boxes and specials do start out at $30 monthly, and food stamps are accepted. More information is available at http://www.angelfoodministries.com/

Feeding America (America's Second Harvest) is also a nationwide effort that works with local food banks and numerous partners to distribute food in our communities. Disbursement is not directly to individuals, but to soup kitchens, food pantries and non-profit organizations who serve families and individuals in need. To locate your local Feeding America entity: http://feedingamerica.org/

Working collaboratively with your community, we can feed the children, elderly and our neighbors who face hunger each day. Contact your local agricultural extension service, community leaders, Department of Social Services, Outreach Ministries and Churches to organize a community food drive and a garden where volunteers can participate in growing fresh vegetables and fruits to donate to soup kitchen and food pantries. Many restaurants and grocers also are eager to provide food when approached. Reach out, seek information about existing services, and become involved. Hunger should not exist in the United States. We have the resources and can feed our citizens through cooperation and caring.