We of Hope Church are a Bread for the World covenant church. Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice, moved by God’s grace in Jesus Christ, urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. Our faithful advocacy makes a difference. Last year, the 2018 Offering of Letters was victorious in securing passage of the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill ensured that the Feed the Future initiative would continue to support smallholder farmers and improve the nutrition needs of women and children around the world. And, while Congress ended the year having not approved all its funding bills, both the House and the Senate appropriations committees increased funding for global nutrition. Congress also approved a Farm Bill that protects the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and improves international food aid programs. Yet, far too many of our neighbors continue to struggle to buy nutritious food and secure jobs with livable wages.
- In 2017, the number of people experiencing hunger around the world increased for the third year in a row. Much of the increase in hunger is due to climate change, conflict, and economic downturns.
- Forty-five percent of all preventable child deaths are linked to malnutrition.
- Nutrition programs for pregnant women and young children are highly cost effective. Every dollar spent on them produces on average a $16 return from reduced health care costs and people’s improved ability to participate in the labor market.
- One in 4 of the world’s children (151 million children) suffers from physical and cognitive stunting.
Unfortunately, programs that provide help and opportunity to people in need are increasingly vulnerable due to the actions, and inactions, of government officials in Washington, D.C. Just as Esther was called to stand up and advocate on behalf of her people to the king of Persia, we too are called to stand up and advocate with and on behalf of our communities to government leaders in Washington, D.C. We must urge our nation’s leaders to protect programs that are vital for people who are struggling with hunger and poverty.
Bread for the World’s 2019 Offering of Letters: Better Nutrition, Better Tomorrow is an opportunity to put your faith into action. All children deserve the opportunity to live a healthy life and reach their full potential. Join us in making this opportunity a reality!
We will be offering our letters on June 9 following the 10 AM service. Look for our table in the gathering area before and after the service.
~Tom Arendshorst and Tom Bultman, Hope Church members