The U.S. Department of Agriculture says an estimated 14.5 percent of American households were food insecure at least some time during 2010, which means their access to adequate food for active, healthy living was limited by a lack of money and other resources. That includes 5.4 percent with very low food security—meaning that the food intake of one or more household members was reduced and their eating patterns were disrupted at times during the year because the household lacked money and other resources for food.
Here are five ways your church can help provide food security:
Ask small groups to identify and adopt a needy family. Collect food donations and deliver them.
Contact your local bakery. Make arrangements to pick up unsold bread and other goods at the end of the day. Then deliver to area homeless shelters.
Volunteer to grocery shop for senior citizens or those who are injured or disabled. They make the list—you head to the store!
Find out what food items your nearest food pantry needs most. Then ask your congregation to donate those items. Enlist delivery volunteers.
Untouched leftovers? Many food shelves have “food-rescue plans,” giving people an alternative to disposing excess food while simultaneously feeding the hungry.