Pew to Pilgrim - Feed the Hungry

In Matthew Chapter 25: 31-46, the Gospel informs us of what we need to do to follow in Jesus’s footsteps, in essence our “marching orders.”

Probably one of the most practiced works of mercy, Feed the Hungry, addresses our most basic need for food to survive and thrive. While the world produces enough food to feed everyone, there are still millions and millions of people who do not have the money to buy the food or access to the land to grow the food for themselves.

In this Year of Mercy, we need to reflect and act on this massive problem for so many in our community, our nation and the world. 

The shocking reality of the problem is seen here in Cook County with 812,000 individuals who are food insecure, not knowing when or where their next meal will be available. This problem is even more critical when we look at the most vulnerable – our children and the elderly. 

Here are a few key takeaways from Hunger in America 2014: 

• Every year, 1 in 6 of our neighbors receives food from a Greater Chicago Food Depository’s member agency grocery or meal programs 
• The Greater Chicago Food Depository serves more than 232,100 households annually 
• 68% of supported programs reported an increase in volume of clients over the last 12 months 
• 69% of client households have incomes that fall at/below the federal poverty level; 54% with annual incomes of < $10,000 
• Here’s a look at the difficult choices clients are making – between paying for food and some other basic need 

• 62% of clients – food or medical bills 

• 73% of clients – food or utility bills 

• 59% of clients – food or rent/mortgage 

• 67% of clients – food or transportation 

• 38% of clients – food or education 

Thinking more broadly, what does it mean to “feed” someone? There are so many people in need around us everyday in need of a source for this next meal. Beyond that, many are hungry to fill a spiritual emptiness, something to help them as they face whatever void exists for them. How can you help them?

Reflect on your own access to food and see where you could make donations in lieu of how you spend on meals. There are many programs supported by Holy Name Cathedral and Catholic Charities of Chicago – be generous with your time and your wallet to help your fellow Chicagoans facing a daily struggle with hunger.

• Feel the hunger yourself – fast as a way to gain access and prayerfully discern how you can help
• Learn more about Food Insecurity http://tinyurl.com/hungrynation
• Note how much food you throw away – see how you could buy less & eliminate the waste – donate your savings
• For an upcoming birthday or holiday gift, donate to the Thursday/Friday Night Suppers in that person’s name @ HNC Rectory
• Join the Holy Name Cathedral Team @ GCFD Annual Walk for Hunger on June 25 Email Lori
• “Food Rescues” - Volunteers to help collect food donations from vendors after the close of food industry trade shows (March-November) @ McCormick Place
• Provide meals or buy groceries for a fellow parishioner when ill or recovering Email Ann
• Buy booklets of Chicago Shares to give to homeless approaching you on the street for help
• Skip a dinner out and donate the money to Catholic Charities food program
• Next time you make a meal that could be frozen, make a double batch and donate the additional to a soup kitchen
• Volunteer for the Greater Chicago Food Depository Team on August 6 or October 1 Email Anthony
• Volunteer or bake for HNC’s Thursday/Friday Night Suppers @ Catholic Charities – Call Fr. Boivin 312-787-8040
• Imagine your Friday lunch is your last known meal source until Monday lunch – Help with Blessings in a Backpack for St. Malachy kids
• Become a certified volunteer with Little Brothers, Friends of the Elderly – deliver food to isolated and shut-in elders http://www.littlebrotherschicago.org
• Become a trained volunteer with Emmaus Ministries and volunteer to cook and eat a meal with their clients http://streets.org

Lori Doyle and Gabi Schultz are members of the Parish Pastoral Council, active with a variety of Liturgical Ministries as Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers, Cathedral Altar Servers and Ministers of Care at Prentice Hospital/NW Hospital. Both parishioners for about 6 years, Lori loves to travel and cook and is a proud mother of her son John, a UM Wolverine. Gabi enjoys trying new restaurants, running, cooking lessons and spending time with friends and family.

Share your thoughts below or on social media, tagging Holy Name Cathedral and using #SeasonOfMercy.

Sources:

Greater Chicago Food Depository 

Hunger in America 2014