NCC End Poverty

domestic hunger
Background | Faith Perspective | Take Action | Resources | Programs and Organizations

Background
In 2007, 36.2 million people experienced food shortage, including 12.4 million children. Of these individuals, 8.2 million adults and 3.7 million children lived in households with very low food security.*

In 2007, 37.3 million people (12.5%) were in poverty; 7.6 (9.8%) million families were in poverty; 20.3 million (10.9%) of people aged 18-64 were in poverty; 13.3 million (18%) children under the age of 18 were in poverty; 3.6 million (9.7%) seniors 65 and older were in poverty.**

*Food Security in the United States: Key Statistics and Graphics. Economi Research Services. 2007.

**Feeding America, Hunger and Poverty Statistics

Faith Perspective

As Christians, we believe that God cares for hungry and poor people and we have been called to care for those who are hungry and poor. Throughout the Bible we find the message that God intends for everyone to have enough, and that human beings have a responsibility to help shape the world as God intends.

"He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." (Proverbs 14:31)

"Give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." (Psalm 107:8,9)

"He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free." (Psalm 146:7)
"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink." (Proverbs 25:21)

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Take Action!

Write a check. Make a contribution to your local food bank or another organization that fights hunger.
Volunteer. See the face of hunger for yourself. Most pantries have several tasks available, such as shopping, stocking shelves, sorting donations, or assisting clients.
Donate food you would cook for your own family. Think healthy and simple. Avoid large, price club-sized cans or bags (most organizations can't split these into smaller portions). Reject the impulse to clean out your pantry.
Learn more about WIC and the National School Lunch Programs.
Let your local and state politicians know you care about hunger, and vote accordingly. You could also meet with them or their aides in person, or send a letter signed by friends.
Host a neighborhood, school, church, or youth-group food drive. Ask your local food pantry what types of food are needed. Include that information when you solicit donations.
Organize a group study on childhood hunger in your congregation or community. Ask a non-profit leader, a government official, or benefits recipient in your area to come speak about hunger and nutrition. You might also try to coordinate with other organizations, educate through the media, or ask state government officials to speak publicly.
Plan a Group Fast for communal time to pray and learn about hunger issues. Click on resources here for hosting an: adult retreat, or a youth lock-in.

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