While I am very involved, Joyce Clayton, Webster Groves Church, is providing the greater part of the leadership. Four congregations are participating in this four year venture. The country we have chosen to work with is Peru. Most of our congregations either have a food pantry in their church building or support a local food pantry with food contributions and monetary gifts. It goes without saying that people need to be given food when they are hungry, but we need to look at the causes for their being hungry.
Hunger manifests itself in subtle ways.
When a family becomes homeless, or loses one or both utilities, they are very likely to also be at risk of hunger. I received nearly 2000 calls from people requesting help with rent, utilities, food or medicine. Help was given when we had funds. It is extremely painful to listen to their stories, and, often, not be able to help. I try to link them to resources in our Presbytery, but there is never enough to help all who call.