Stop Hunger Now

First United Methodist Church in Washington continues to extend its reach in the fight against hunger.
In addition to preparing and serving meals at Washington Christian Outreach, volunteers from the congregation joined forces during the summer with the LeMoyne Center to provide between 80 and 220 nutritious lunches for children throughout the community, and they increased their workload at the City Mission in June by preparing meals when the homeless shelter was damaged by fire.
And in October, for the second consecutive year, the church plans to pack meals for Stop Hunger Now, a mobile food-packaging organization that provides meals to support school feeding programs, vocational training programs, early childhood development programs, orphanages and medical clinics throughout the world.
Last year, volunteers packed more than 15,000 meals. This year, Stop Hunger Now has requested a minimum of 30,000 meals, with a financial contribution of 29 cents per meal. The 4-cent increase brings to $8,700 the amount of money the church must raise.
Even though that’s a fairly hefty price for the modestly sized congregation to pay, it pales in comparision to the fact that each meal feeds six people. The 30,000 meals would feed 180,000 people.
To help the congregation achieve their goal, the church is seeking meal sponsors in the community. Sweet Frog, 2000 Park Place Drive, Washington, already is on board, and will donate 25 percent of customers’ bills to the church on Sunday, as long as patrons mention Stop Hunger Now.
The Rev. Keith Simmons said First United Methodist also was blessed last year with financial help – and volunteers – from Methodist churches in Washington County, such as Amity, Avery, Houston, Jefferson Avenue, Liberty and West Washington.
“The hard part is reaching out,” Simmons said.
The church became involved with Stop Hunger Now after Simmons and Tom Aloia, chairman of First U.M.’s missions committee, participated in a packaging event at the United Methodist Conference.
“It’s not prime rib,” Aloia said, “but some people have kids who need minerals. It’s pretty bland, but it’s nourishing.”
Each meal consists of 1 cup of rice, 1 cup of soy, a “heaping” tablespoon of dehydrated vegetables and a vitamin pack with 23 vitamins.
Most of the food is distributed to Stop Hunger Now’s 65 partner countries, and some is provided to states devastated by floods and tornados. Research has shown that one in three people in developing countries has a vitamin and mineral deficiency.
“We know the enormity of the need for people to have nourishment of both body and soul,” Aloia said. “We are looking to provide measures of relief in whatever ways we can.”
What also impresses Aloia is that everything that’s packaged is delivered. “None has shown up on the black market,” he said.
Last year, members of the Washington & Jefferson College rugby team and local civic organizations contributed to the cause. Volunteers of all ages are welcome – even those who are unable to commit to the full four hours. Children who volunteer usually serve as runners.
“I would like so see this become a communitywide event,” said Aloia, with a packaging event at a much bigger venue. “But that’s way down the road.”
First United Methodist Church, 29 N. College St., Washington, will hold its Stop Hunger Now packaging event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 3. To donate financially or to volunteer to pack meals, call the church in advance at 724-222-2520, ext. 102.