Faith Matters: How does our faith call us to respond to food insecurity?

by Heather J. Blais for the Greenfield Recorder

​This fall, the realities of hunger and food insecurity have risen above the surface in tangible, inescapable ways. In the Gaza War, we heard daily reports of hunger, malnutrition, and starvation. Many of us grappled with a sense of helplessness. We made donations to food relief agencies, like World Central Kitchen. I found my prayer life shift, and began to hold more intentional time to pray for those facing hunger, malnutrition, and starvation; that a peaceful way forward would be found; and that leaders of every level of governance and community across our globe might increasingly lead from a place of peace, mercy, justice and kindness.

Now something far closer to home draws our attention: the suspension of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP benefits) in the face of our government shutdown, with further program reductions anticipated in the coming year. In Greenfield alone, 23% of our neighbors receive SNAP benefits — 4,067 to be exact. The lack of benefits in November will most immediately affect SNAP recipients, and then will ripple outward. There will be a wider economic impact on our local farmers, grocery stores and beyond.

So, how does our faith call us to respond?

Jesus was pretty clear our faith calls us to respond to our hungry neighbor with love and action, “… 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, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me (Matthew 25:35-36).”
In other words, when we love and serve our neighbor by helping ensure their basic human needs are well met, we are in fact loving and serving God. If we really want to live into this ethos, we need to set aside our egos, our politics, and our judgement. We need to see the inherent dignity in each neighbor. All so we might collaborate, lend one another a helping hand, and look after one another as we seek to navigate this challenge together as a community.

The particulars of how we love and serve our neighbor as we face rising food insecurity can take many shapes and forms. Below are a few ideas, from a faith perspective, on where we can begin.

Pray for a way forward. If you are of the praying variety, pray for our neighbors facing food insecurity and anxiety; that a way forward may be found; and that leaders of every level of governance and community lead from a place of peace, mercy, justice and kindness.

Look after our neighbors. Pay attention to who might be especially struggling during the SNAP suspension. If it seems appropriate, bake an extra lasagna and share it, drop off a couple of staples, or host a potluck. Financial impacts like the loss of SNAP benefits can leave us feeling alone, insecure, embarrassed and afraid. Let’s remember we are always stronger and better together in community.

Become a regular volunteer with a food pantry or community meal. By shifting from a one time offering to making a regular, ongoing commitment to a program you build lasting relationships with those you serve and serve alongside; and it assures program leaders they have adequate volunteer staff to respond to the rising need. The city of Greenfield’s website maintains a list of food pantries and community meals and offers regular updates during the SNAP suspension: https://greenfield-ma.gov/residents/food_pantries_and_meal_sites.php

Donate money to a food pantry or community meal. One time gifts and regular gifts to these programs help ensure our neighbors can remain fed — no matter what.

Support local farms, markets and grocery stores. By shopping locally we support our local food system, and help ensure our neighbors’ farms and businesses stay open, maintain their staff and navigate the economic impact of this suspension.

Last but not least, let us give thanks.
Thank you to the many hands and hearts that make each community meal and food pantry possible; to our neighbors whose lives are touched by these programs, and who in turn, touch the lives of those who volunteer; for grants and donations which keep these programs running; for programs that have served our community well until their time comes to an end (such as our own Sunday Soup and Sandwiches which concluded in October); and for partnerships which lead to thriving and sustainable programs (such as Second Helpings, offered in partnership with Deerfield Academy for the last 25 years, every Monday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the parish hall). Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew is an emerging church community in Greenfield. We believe that God is calling us to cultivate a community of love, joy, hope and healing. Jesus is our model for a life of faith, compassion, hospitality and service. We strive to be affirming and accessible, welcoming and inclusive; we seek to promote reconciliation, exercise responsible stewardship, and embrace ancient traditions for modern lives.

​All are invited and welcomed. We offer hybrid worship on Sundays at 10 a.m. | 8 Church St, Greenfield| 413-773 3925 | www.saintsjamesandandrew.org

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