Photo Credit: Justin Coupertino

An estimated 900 million people globally will go hungry today.  7 billion people share the planet in 2011, 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.

This year, we're uniting as a denomination to address hunger related issues. Nov. 1-11, 2011...  ONE UNITED CHURCH on a shared mission for 11 powerful days to feed the hungry and confront food-related injustice. Learn more about Mission. 1.

What to do after Mission 1?

First, you can learn more about global issues of food, hunger, sustainability and agriculture.   World Food Day  is every October 16, an opportunity to broaden the conversation about where our food comes from, and how we can make the food system more just and sustainable. 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 is all about.  Use resources from our partners at Church World Service and OxFam to plan for a fun, educational and engaging conversation about food justice.

Next, you can learn more about food, hunger, sustainability, and agriculture in the United States. National Food Day is every October 24, and you can join with advocates around the country to inspire Americans to improve our diets and fix our food system.

In your family and community, you can support local and organic farmers. To find Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) producers near you, go to Local Harvest. To learn more about advancing the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, rural communities, and organic farming, explore the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and Eco-Farm.

Speak out!  Tell your elected officials that you want them to pass sustainableand healthy legislation through the U. S. Farm Bill. Learn more about the 2012 Farm Bill.

• One Great Hour of Sharing  connects you with a variety of hunger assistance and development opportunities.
• 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.
• Bread for the World conducts research and policy advocacy on food and aid, and promotes other anti-hunger programs.
• 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.