2010 Annual Report
ELCA World Hunger responds to global hunger and poverty by addressing root causes. Through a comprehensive program of relief, development, education and advocacy, people are equipped to lift themselves out of poverty.
In the United States, your gifts to ELCA World Hunger are distributed through grants in three categories: relief, development and organizing; advocacy; and education. Many of these grants are coordinated through synods or based on state or geographic regions. This funding is at work in every state across the nation. Some of our trusted partners include ELCA congregations, Bread for the World, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, and many other anti-hunger ministries.
Around the World, hundreds of ELCA World Hunger grants are implemented every year in over 60 countries through trusted partners with longstanding relationships in the communities where they work. The majority of these grants are committed to the work of our companion churches. Other partners include The Lutheran World Federation, Lutheran World Relief, Church World Service/CROP and other ecumenical and related agencies.
Relief
In times of crisis, ELCA World Hunger is there to provide food, shelter, clothing, medical supplies and care. Whether providing meals to homeless people in the United States or survival kits to refugees overseas, your gifts ensure that basic human needs are met.
Development
ELCA World Hunger supports programs and projects that help communities lift themselves out of poverty for the long term. Cornerstones of our sustainable development work include:
- Agriculture and livestock
Helping small-scale farmers improve agricultural production with training, tools, livestock, seeds and seedlings to nourish their families and communities
- Water
Assisting communities with water projects that ensure access to clean drinking water or better irrigation for their crops as well as the means to maintain systems for the long term
- Health care
Supporting hospitals, clinics and community heath programs that combat diseases of poverty, especially HIV and AIDS, malaria and water-borne diseases
- Education and training
Providing access to schools, supplies and uniforms, support for teaching careers, and job skills training for children and adults
- Peace and human rights
Helping communities overcome poverty and suffering that results from war, racism and other forms of oppression
Education
We engage members of the ELCA—including children and youth—in opportunities to learn about hunger and how our daily choices can make a real difference in people’s lives.
Advocacy
By speaking with and on behalf of those who are hungry, ELCA World Hunger works to change systems that perpetuate hunger while equipping and encouraging members of the ELCA to do the same.