Love Worth Sharing

Hunger is Here

In the 90s, commercials urged us to help hungry children in developing countries for “less than the cost of your daily cup of coffee,” giving the impression that empty bellies were mostly outside the United States. But hunger is HERE. Children in our own towns go to bed hungry. Genesis 33:5 says children are God’s gift. We should take care of them.

What is Food Insecurity?

Imagine wondering whether you can eat dinner tonight. Uncertain access to adequate, nutritious food is called food insecurity. Poverty is not the only cause. Because the Federal Poverty Level is nationwide, families in states with a higher cost of living may have more difficulty accessing nutritious food even if their income is not below the poverty line.

Who Food Insecurity Affects Most

Food insecurity isn’t just feeling hungry. Food-insecure households don’t have a consistent supply of enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle. Children and the elderly are most affected. If enough food isn’t available, some family members may skip meals so others can eat. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said whatever we do for those in need, we’ve done for him. We’d never leave Jesus without food.

Free Meals for Children and Seniors

Several federal programs ensure free or low-cost nutritious meals are available to children in school and to children and senior adults in daycare programs. In most cases, individuals who qualify receive free breakfast and lunch. Some school systems provide meals to all students regardless of qualification.

Backpack Programs

During the week, schools provide meals for children at risk of food insecurity. On weekends, children in food-insecure households may not have access to food. Backpack programs stand in the gap, providing nutritious meals and snacks children can take home for the weekend. 1 John 3:17 encourages us to show we love God by helping those in need.

Impact of Childhood Hunger

According to FeedingAmerica.org, 1 in 5 children lacks access to nutritious food. That’s almost fourteen million kids likely to experience increased health problems, poor academic performance, and developmental differences. Without adequate food, their brains and bodies can’t grow properly. In Mark 10:16, Jesus welcomed children and held them in his arms. We should protect what Jesus saw as precious.

One Can Make a Difference

Childhood hunger is so widespread the need may seem overwhelming. We may wonder how one person can make any difference. The backpack programs, which send food home with schoolchildren, began when ONE nurse noticed children arrived at school tired and hungry. These programs now serve many of the 30 million children who qualify for food assistance.

School Pantry

School food pantries are food pantries specifically located inside or near a school. These food pantries focus on the needs of families with children. They offer meat and protein options, fresh vegetables, and fruit in addition to the usual shelf-stable items available at most food pantries.

Do Something

In Matthew 8, Jesus had harsh words for anyone who doesn’t provide children the same love and care God does. Can we stand by and do nothing while millions of children in the United States go to bed at night hungry? Helping ensure they have nutritious meals available is a tangible way to show God’s love.

Summer's Coming!

Ah, summer. The last day of school. Coconut-scented sunblock. Melting ice cream cones and hot dogs on the grill. Are you hungry yet? Children look forward to summer’s freedom, but leaving school can sometimes mean missing two or more daily meals. When school’s out, USDA’s SUN Meals program provides nutrition for children in food-insecure households and even delivers in some areas.

How Churches Can Help

Is your church planning for Vacation Bible School? In Matthew 19:14, Jesus invited the children to come to him without hindrance, but hunger is a barrier. Consider replacing snack time with meals this year as you introduce children to Jesus, the Bread of Life. Using a socially aware VBS curriculum can be a great way to introduce children to the idea of helping others, also.

Rural Hunger is Real

We may imagine rural areas have easy access to vegetables, fruit, grain, milk, and other fresh foods. In some places, that’s true. For children in food-insecure areas, living in the country simply means nutrition is tougher to access. Stores and even farmers markets are often not within walking distance, which means families have fewer available resources.