Dear CBF North Carolina friends,
In the last week, we’ve heard more and more about the ending of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The state of North Carolina is said to have nearly 1.4 million people who depend on SNAP benefits to make nutrition needs meet every month. Of that, roughly 580,000 are children who rely on this program and many of the rest are seniors, veterans and adults with disabilities.
The most vulnerable among us are the ones set to sacrifice even more in the coming days and weeks without these benefits or the time it takes to find alternatives.
Jesus says, “Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest… For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink… Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you did for me.”
We love our God by loving our neighbors. We help our neighbors by feeding them, offering hospitality and becoming loving extensions of God’s faithfulness. This is what Jesus was talking about; simple acts of sharing, creating more than enough, welcoming all and making room. As Christians, we are called to step into the darkness of the lie that there is not enough and make more.
Over the last few days, I have seen the goodness of God working in the hearts of individuals, churches and organizations to live into this calling. There are restaurants donating free meals, food banks increasing capacity and operating hours, organizations pledging to donate funds to help cover gaps, individuals offering car rides for food pick-ups, and neighborhoods coordinating food drives. We may not end the systemic problem of hunger in the near future, but we can end hunger today for those around us.
We, at CBF North Carolina, encourage you to continue finding ways to fight hunger as we sit in the gap of delayed SNAP benefits. There are local food pantries and food banks that would love to have your time as a volunteer, a donation of funds to purchase food or food donations. Your church may be able to host a food drive or collaborate with another congregation or organization to make an even bigger impact.
Additionally, here are two ways through CBFNC’s Hunger Fund you can help:
- Apply for Funds: If you are a local congregation or organization with a food pantry, you can apply for funds to purchase and distribute food from the CBFNC Hunger Fund here.
- Make a Donation: If you wish to make a donation to help with hunger needs all around the state, you can donate to the CBFNC Hunger Fund where 100% of the donations are given directly to local food needs in our state. Make a donation online here (select CBFNC Hunger Fund in the dropdown box about where to direct your support). You may also mail a check to CBFNC, 2640 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106; please note Hunger Fund in the memo line.
May we be a people who follow the way of Jesus and feed those who are hungry,
Amy Lee Gallaher
CBFNC Director of Programs and Missions
