For I was hungry and you gave me food.
Matthew 25:35
The Hunger Committee raises awareness of world hunger issues and assists congregations in responding to the needs of hungry people locally and globally.
Through a network of congregational hunger contacts, its newsletter, and the synod’s e-letter, the committee highlights the relief, development, and advocacy work of ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran World Relief, Bread for the World, and the Lutheran World Federation. We publicize what synod congregations are doing to fight hunger, and we offer ideas to those who want to become more involved, especially by giving to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal.
Buck-a-Chick
This Easter, join congregations from across the country by having a “Buck-a-Chick” sale. Members can purchase and decorate a paper chick for themselves or in honor of a loved one for one dollar — the cost of providing a chick to a family experiencing hunger. Your gifts will help provide families living in poverty with chicks. Eggs from chickens are a great source of food and income. Hang colorful chicks in a prominent spot and announce the fundraising total on Easter Sunday. To date, congregations have raised more than $85,000 to support this effort. Thank you! Download the coloring page here.
East Africa Drought
East Africa is experiencing the worst drought it has seen in 60 years. This drought is destroying crops and killing the livestock of 11 million people. The UN has just declared a state of famine in Somalia that may extend to other involved countries. Famine, as defined by the UN, means greater than 30% acute malnutrition rates among children, more than 2 deaths per 10,000 per day, and pervasive inaccessibility of food and basic life-sustaining necessities.
Both the ELCA Disaster Response and Lutheran World Relief are working closely with their partners to address this crisis. They are providing support to expand the grossly overcrowded refugee camps and to ensure that new arrivals and other vulnerable people, such as unaccompanied children and the elderly, receive food, water, shelter and other critical services.
This devastating situation in East Africa will greatly add to the number of severely hungry people. Please make this grave issue a focus in your congregation over the coming months through prayer and by encouraging donations to the ELCA Disaster Response and LWR. More information can be obtained from ELCA Disaster Response and Lutheran World Relief. Your support is greatly appreciated!
2012 Domestic Hunger Grant Recipients
HOPE Community Services Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen
New Rochelle, NY
Port Chester/Rye Council of Community Services God’s Green Market
Port Chester, NY
Help from People to People Food Pantry
Nanuet, NY
Dutchess Outreach Beverly Closs Food Pantry
Poughkeepsie, NY
Trinity Lutheran Church Feeding Ministry
Staten Island, NY
Brewster Emergency Shelter Partnership (meals for the homeless and education on hunger)
Brewster, NY
Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (faith-rooted organizing in underserved areas)
New York, NY
New Hope for all Saints Project Noah Employment Referral Program
Bronx, NY
Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing (clergy organizing project)
New York, NY
Westchester United
Rego Park, NY
Newsletter
The committee’s newsletter, Bread and Justice, is published in the spring and fall. Learn about the issues. See how congregations are fighting hunger. Explore resources. Be a hunger fighter! Download the current issue.