How to Combat Hunger
Through the various partners and projects of UMCOR's World Hunger and Poverty program, United Methodists can become advocates, raising awareness for and being in partnership with those who are oppressed, poor, and hungry. Whether seeking out and purchasing fairly traded or organically grown products, using environmentally safe or recyclable items, wearing clothing that was not made with child labor, or writing letters to Congress, we, as faith-based consumers, have the power to influence the marketers, multinational corporations, and even our own government. Adhering to Christ's call to serve one another, we recognize that the lifestyle choices we make every day can have an impact for better or for worse.
Be Aware-Special Days
Fair Trade Day (every second Saturday in May)
Support fair prices for farmers-and the empowerment of women, investment in communities and people, and environmental sustainability. Fair Trade Day invites us to join our neighbors in justice-centered economics.
Hunger Action Month (September)
Hunger Action Month (formerly National Hunger Awareness Day), is sponsored by America's Second Harvest. The events of September 11 contributed to a significant increase in the number of Americans who suddenly found themselves unable to feed their families. Hunger-relief organizations experienced a drop in food surplus and a decrease in charitable giving.
America's Second Harvest and its network of more than 200 food banks and food-rescue organizations developed an aggressive plan of action. Hunger Action Month, an effort to raise awareness and generate contributions, was one aspect of the plan.
World Food Day October 16
The United Nations passed the World Food Day resolution in 1979 to set an annual international observance. World Food Day brings people around the world together to focus on ending hunger and on the problems of food insecurity.
Join Advocacy Organizations
Bread for the World and Bread for the World Institute (UMCOR Advance #982325)
Bread for the World (BFW) is a nationwide Christian citizens movement seeking justice for the world's hungry people by lobbying the nation's decision makers. United Methodists churches are encouraged to build a covenant partnership with BFW and observe BFW Sunday in the fall.
Agricultural Missions, Inc. (UMCOR Advance #982065)
Agricultural Missions is an ecumenical organization that accompanies rural people in their efforts to address the root causes of poverty and injustice in their communities. Since its founding in 1930, and as a longstanding partner with UMCOR, the organization has been a ministry striving to fulfill the Gospel's promise of abundant life for all.
Agricultural Missions addresses "cutting edge" issues, such as land and agrarian reform, the rights of indigenous peoples, the rights of small and minority farmers in the United States, gender equity, sustainable use of natural resources, globalization and trade, and the use of biotechnology in agriculture.
Support Programs that Fight Hunger
United Methodists can work with UMCOR partners and support UMCOR ministries that directly fight hunger and its root causes. One example is below. Click here to read more about all our partners in "Partners in Hunger."
Souper Bowl of Caring
The Souper Bowl of Caring is a simple but significant youth- and young-adult-led effort to fight hunger and poverty. The Souper Bowl of Caring encourages people to give one dollar and/or a canned food item as they leave worship on Super Bowl Sunday. All collections are sent by the youth to the kitchen, food bank, or other hunger organization of their choice. In addition, the youths are encouraged to participate in a "Service Blitz," in which they volunteer at a local food bank or charity in their neighborhood.
