Over the last several weeks, the Young Adult Ministry has been reading, listening, and watching various resources engaging with 7 different justice topics. One of the topics that brought about great discussion and ideas was around food insecurity. According to Feeding America, food insecurity in the United States before COVID-19 was at the lowest point since before the Great Recession, and yet more than 37 million people, including more than 11 million children, were food insecure. The current crisis is likely to reverse the improvements that have occurred over the past decade as millions of people are newly at risk of experiencing food insecurity, alongside those who were experiencing food insecurity before COVID-19. Nationally, more than 54 million people, including 18 million children, may experience food insecurity because of COVID-19.
Since the beginning of COVID-19, we have seen how Hyde Park Community UMC has faithfully responded to the needs of the local community, especially when it comes to hunger. To highlight a few: over 9,000 meals were distributed to children in the Spring and before school started, people donated food or money to help Madisonville Education and Assistance Center re-stock their pantries serving over 250 families per distribution day, and money for hotel stays and meals were provided to families working with Interfaith Hospitality Network.
Thanksgiving is another opportunity to respond to the needs of our neighbors in various ways. While we won’t be packing Thanksgiving baskets as we’ve traditionally done, there is a way that you can still personally send love and food to our neighbors.
1. You are invited to donate money to the Thanksgiving Basket ministry so that gift cards to Kroger can be purchased for 552 families. We are collecting your tax-deductible donation instead of Kroger gift cards because we are working directly with Kroger to get the bulk order over cards. Any amount is appreciated and will make a difference! You can donate online at http://hydeparkchurch.org/give/ (choose Thanksgiving Baskets in the drop down menu) or via check (write Thanksgiving basket in memo line)
2. Knowing that gift cards can be so impersonal to receiving a Thanksgiving basket of food, we are doing a Thanksgiving Greeting Card Campaign! We need 552 cards personalized to send to those receiving the gift cards. Thanksgiving Greeting cards can be picked up and dropped off in the Welcome Center along with instructions. All cards must be returned by November 8.
3. Buy a Thanksgiving Pie by November 16 from Meals on Wheels (formerly Wesley Community Center). Every pie purchased will enable Meals on Wheels Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky to feed a senior in our community for an entire week! Pie pick up will start November 22 at the church. Pie your pie online: https://rb.gy/khmqcy
Peace,
Kate