An estimated 925 million people globally will go hungry today.  7 billion people share the planet and by 2050 the world’s population is expected to increase to 9 billion people. This increase will put enormous pressure on global food capacity. Added to that, more people in Western-style and growing economies are adopting a high calorie, meat-based diet, and the price of staples - like corn used for cattle feed - continue to rise as a proportion of daily living expenses for the poor.

Environmental degradation and crop damage due to climate change, the rise of biofuels, and agricultural distortions due to export farming add to the instability of local food cultures, creating conditions of increased food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition.

Why are hunger and food security issues of faith?

In Matthew 25:35 and 25:40, Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…..Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

In this compelling scripture, Jesus includes even those we do not know as those with whom we must share our food, our water, and our welcome. He does not distinguish between the “deserving’ or undeserving” poor, nor does he make a distinction between those who live close to us and those who may live in other places. He calls all his followers to share what we have and to work towards a time when all people have enough food and water for their needs.

In 2009, the General Synod of the UCC passed a resolution on the Global Food Crisis, calling on the church “to advocate for strengthening sustainable agricultural and fishing practices.” 

In 2011, the General Synod of the UCC passed a Resolution for Mindful and Healthy Eating, challenging our members and congregations to explore and discuss how food choices can accord with Christian values and beliefs.

In October we have two opportunities to learn more about food, hunger, sustainability and agriculture. First, dedicate your dinner as a World Food Day meal on October 16. Join us in broadening the conversation about where our food comes from, and how we can make the food system more just and sustainable. Next, observe National Food Day on October 24. Join with advocates around the country to inspire Americans to improve out diets and fix our food system! More info:

World Food Day | October 16, 2012

We are all tied to a global food system.  In a world facing the challenges of a growing population, skewed resource distribution and an erratic climate, one of the best ways to combat global food insecurity is to invest in small producers – especially women farmers – and remove the barriers that limit their productivity and ability to market their produce.

Creating this awareness is what a World Food Day dinner is all about. Use the resources from our partners at Church World Service and OxFam to host a fun, educational and engaging conversation about food justice.

National Food Day | October 24, 2012

It's time to eat real! Join this nationwide campaign for delicious, healthy, and affordable food produced in a sustainable way. Thousands of events will be taking place around the country, designed to inspire Americans to eat healthy foods and repair our broken food system. Get more information about Food Day and Download the organizing packet for faith groups. 

This message is especially relevant for UCC congregations in light of the General Synod 28 Resolution for Mindful and Faithful Eating. In it, General Synod notes that "Our dietary choices can have profound implications for the environment, human well-being, and animal welfare." It goes on to call on all Christians to "explore and discuss how food choices can accord with Christian values and beliefs."

The UCC Collegium of Officers invites and encourages all conferences, associations and congregations to participate and engage in dialogue and discussion using the Just Eating Curriculum.

This wonderful  curriculum calls us to integrate the commitments and practices of our faith into the way we eat.  We think it will be a great enhancement to your work around food justice and sustainability issues. Learn more.

Take the conversation further - Download the 'Just Eating?' curriculum!

• Bread for the World conducts research and policy advocacy on food and aid, and promotes other anti-hunger programs. Download their 2012 Hunger Report.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Working to Reduce Global Hunger - A faith community discussion paper produced by the Maryknoll Office on Global Concerns
• Ecumenical Advocacy Days – At God’s Table: Food Justice for a Healthy World | April 5-8, 2013
• One Great Hour of Sharing  connects you with a variety of hunger assistance and development opportunities.
• Fairness for farm workers connects you with the people who make food security possible – both locally and on large farms.
• Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance – Food for People Campaign  sponsors the Churches’ Week of Action on Food.  The week in October goes from Monday to Monday and incorporates the International Day for Rural Women (October 15), World Food Day (October 16) and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (October 17).
• The UCC Poverty Page is a site with resources and educational materials linking issues of poverty, economic justice, and hunger. 
• Visit the ecumenical Faithful Budget campaign site for information on our nation’s budgetary priorities to learn more about protecting funding for foreign aid and domestic food programs.
• Church World Service provides resources, advocacy and partners with churches in development projects and emergency assistance. CWS Crop Walks are opportunities for local communities to raise awareness and money for hunger programs.