Stop Hunger Now
First United Methodist Church in Washington has embarked on a campaign to Make A Difference in the global, local and church community that, on a recent Saturday, included participating in a global effort to Stop Hunger Now.
More than 110 church, community and youth volunteers packed 15,335 meals in a little more than 90 minutes. The meals were then packed through the Stop Hunger Now distribution system and sent to poverty-stricken areas around the world.
“The people of First Church have committed to Making A Difference in our own church lives, as well as throughout our Washington community and the world,” Pastor R. Keith Simmons said.
“God calls us to feed his sheep, and packing meals for Stop Hunger Now is a hands-on, tangible way for us to heed the call to serve our fellow human beings.”
Stop Hunger Now, headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., provides logistic support for the local meal-packing events. Ingredients supplied for each packet include beans, rice, vegetables and a vitamin supplement pack. Ingredients were purchased through fundraisers and donations.
Each packed meal costs only 29 cents and provides up to six nutritionally complete meals.
Many other local churches participated in the event. They include the Beallsville Youth Group and Avery, Houston, Washington Street, Liberty, Amity, First Bethel and Bethel Park United Methodist churches. The Washington Rotary Club and the men’s rugby team at Washington & Jefferson College also helped pack meals.