Spreading Good News Through Food
There are a lot of quotes about hunger, but I think this one from Bishop Desmond Tutu stands out, because of the simple message it conveys:
“When people were hungry, Jesus didn’t say, ‘Now is that political or social?’ He said, ‘I feed you.’ Because the good news to a hungry person is bread.”
“I feed you.” We can do that. The people of Ebenezer can feed you. We can spread the good news by showing compassion and empathy though food. Our kNOw Hunger event for 2022 was filled with good news being spread by volunteers who gave selflessly of their time and prepared hundreds of meals, bags, boxes, and pantries full of food. We gathered to cook, fellowship, distribute and connect with those in need. Food was our good news indeed!
My heartfelt thanks to those who made it down to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank during the week to package online orders for pickup. We learned firsthand how federal assistance programs impact the ability of our local food pantries to provide incredibly nutritious, beautiful produce and food products from our heartland and local farms directly to those in need within our communities. The FRFB Mobile Pop-Up Food Pantry saw 80+ families drive through here at Ebenezer to receive boxes of food, milk, and fresh produce. What a blessing right in our own parking lot! Look for Ebenezer to sponsor this pop-up again throughout the year.
Stafford Food Security received 200 backpack meals packed by Ebenezer that go directly to students via guidance counselors daily. Ebenezer also sponsored the SFS Food Truck on two different evenings during our kNOw Hunger event. S.E.R.V.E. hosted a bag pack and distribution that went out into a local neighborhood and connected Ebenezer to a community in need.
Many also gave in support of Helping Children Worldwide and their baby food initiative. We raised $1,500 to go toward this life-giving mission.
These local and international organizations are doing the hard work every day. Ebenezer is committed to supporting these non-profits through your generous giving. Please consider volunteering to feed people on a regular basis if you are able.
- Hot meals are provided monthly via our Community Meals program that feeds elderly neighbors in a local senior housing development. 4th Saturday Meals provide dinner via Micah Ministries in downtown Fredericksburg, and Brisben Meals provide dinner every third Saturday at the Thurman Brisben Center.
- Ebenezer Acre is back this summer, and it’s not just potatoes! Join us in the field to plant and tend a variety of produce that will be harvested and donated to S.E.R.V.E. Sign up here.
- On July 25, Ebenezer will participate in the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank’s Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Box Pack. Volunteers are needed to pack several hundred boxes for senior citizens. Each supplemental box is designed to meet the nutritional requirements of those in need. This is a great serving opportunity for individuals, families, or small groups. Sign up today to join our team.
Discover more serving opportunities HERE or email me at [email protected]
