It's not a matter of charity

According to the World Food Programme, over 840 million people in the world do not have enough food to lead a healthy active life. That's about one in eight people on earth. Although globally enough food is produced to feed everyone, why are millions of people around the world not getting enough to eat?

Food Distribution by Liberia United Methodist Church and Global Ministries in Topoe Village outside Monrovia. Photo by: Julu Swen

People who don’t have “enough” are forced to make difficult decisions everyday: choosing needed medicine over food, and food over education. Most of those trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty never gain the traction to free themselves from poverty.

Throughout scripture, we read about the concern of God's people for those in need. It was not simply a matter of charity, but of responsibility, righteousness, and justice (Isaiah 58:6-8; Jeremiah 22:3; Matthew 25:31-46). 

Change is not easy, but it has to start with us. Just one. 

Read more >> about why The United Methodist Church cares so deeply about food justice and what actions you can begin to take.

This is the kind of fast day I’m after:
    to break the chains of injustice,
    get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
    free the oppressed,
    cancel debts.

What I’m interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
    putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
    being available to your own families.
Do this and the lights will turn on,
    and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
    The God of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray, God will answer.

-Isaiah 58:6-9, The Message (MSG)