From Congregation to Congressman

Advocating for Those Who Are Hungry

For members of the Lutheran Church of the Reformation in West Long Branch, N.J., responding to hunger in their neighborhood is part of their weekly activities. So, too, is partnering with ELCA World Hunger to help around the world.

Moved by the stories of families and children who regularly come to the church for food assistance, six members of the congregation met with State Representative Frank Pallone (pictured right) last spring. Church members discussed their food pantry ministry and urged the congressman to weigh in on hunger issues at the state House of Representatives and with his colleagues.

One of the six members from the congregation, Mary Appleton, said, “It was really inspiring to go with that group of people and talk to [the congressman].” As a result of the meeting, Pallone participated in a press event at the state House of Representatives in May, which attracted great media attention toward childhood hunger.

Gifts to ELCA World Hunger have helped to support organizations that create such events, providing a way that the voice of those who are hungry and the church that stands with them can be heard. In this case the coordination was through the New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition (NJAHC), an organization that receives a grant from ELCA World Hunger.

In preparation, Lutheran church groups throughout New Jersey—including youth, Sunday school children, members of adult forums and clients of church feeding programs—decorated thousands of empty paper lunch bags with messages about the importance of child nutrition programs. After the press conference, the lunch bags were delivered to all 13 congressional offices.

Given the increasing concern about hunger and especially its effect on children, the NJAHC and its statewide advocacy partners launched “Every Child, Every Day: Campaign to End Childhood Hunger in New Jersey by 2015.” The campaign highlights specific recommendations for changes to the school breakfast program that would address barriers to participation and improve access for children who need assistance.

Bruce Davidson, director of the Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministry in New Jersey, talked about the way in which the voluntary service of the church brings credibility and integrity to the discussion with elected officials. “They really appreciate the fact that we help to raise awareness for better nutrition programs for children. We help them understand that these programs are an effective way to end childhood hunger if they are funded and administered well.”

In addition to helping with direct feeding, long-term development and education, a portion of your gifts to ELCA World Hunger provides grants that help the church and its partners speak up about what they are seeing when it comes to hunger and encourage positive action by government. Through advocacy, ELCA members work to overcome the effects and root causes of hunger. In many ways, the resources of government guided by the voices of those who work to address hunger can make amazing changes in the lives of communities.

“People respond to what they see in their own communities, and it’s easy to get our congregations to support hunger issues,” said Davidson. Regarding the efforts of Appleton and the other Reformation Lutheran members, he said, “It was a congregation-wide advocacy effort.” In addition to those who visited the congressman and those who prepared messages on lunch bags, many different groups in the congregation got involved by praying. “This is faith-based advocacy at its best.”