ENVISIONING HUNGER

Envisioning Hunger Janice Robbins, Deacon

It’s difficult to believe that people are still starving in this country because food isn’t available. ~ Ronald Reagan

Our imaginations have a hard time envisioning hunger not only for ourselves, but also for our children, our parents, and grandparents. But just because we have a hard time imagining food insecurity, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to supplement what families cannot afford. Good Shepherd hopes to help those families whose income puts them at nutritional risk each month as any SNAP assistance they might receive for food runs out, usually close to the 21st of the month. Benefits per person are about $115 per month.

The Chattanooga Area Food Bank provides food to an estimated 20,000 clients each week; 40% of the members of households served are under 18 years old. On the other end of the spectrum, more than five million senior citizens fall into the category of food insecure.

We are always called to be the hands of God, which can mean among many things to help feed those who are hungry. Food insecurity is a real thing – and the people who experience it are our neighbors.

From Ash Wednesday, February 26, to Palm Sunday, April 5, we will have a Lenten Food Drive to help families with food shortage needs and also to help students at Fairyland School have food on weekends with Sack Packs.

Donations may be brought to church anytime and placed in the wagons in the entrance foyer (narthex).

We are collecting these non-perishables: • Specifically for children’s sack packs: individually packaged healthy nutritious snacks – protein bars, granola bars, mac and cheese, fruits, pasta, chips, crackers, canned fruits (with easy off lids), nuts, pudding. • Canned vegetables • Canned tuna, or salmon • Peanut butter • Meals in a can or sack (soup, stew, chili), that do NOT need meat or chicken to be added. • Canned fruit in its own juice or water • Baby foods • Low-sugar whole grain cereals • Canned ham or chicken • Beans – canned and/or dried • Healthy snacks (granola bars, nuts, dried fruit)