As the launch of the UCC’s Mission: 1 initiative approaches, members are motivated and mobilized to fight hunger.
Beginning Nov. 1, the UCC will bring together all settings of the church for Mission: 1, an 11-day, concentrated effort to stock local food banks and help end the injustice of hunger across the world.
The campaign aims to collect more than 1 million healthy food and household items for donation to food banks and outreach services throughout the U.S. To combat hunger on a global scale, campaign staffers hope to gather more than $111,111 in online contributions for the UCC’s Neighbors in Need offering, and another $111,111 for East Africa famine relief.
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To make a lasting global impact in the fight against hunger, Mission: 1 is prompting participants to write at least 11,111 letters to Congress asking for reforms of U.S. foreign assistance programs to more effectively address the needs of the hungry worldwide.
CHHSM-member ministries are encouraged to take part in the initiative, which is endorsed by the CHHSM board of directors.
Those who intend to participate are encouraged to share their goals and plans on the UCC website.
“We’ve seen more than 60 churches respond on the website with their plans, and our resources are flying off the shelves,” said Connie Larkman, strategic media coordinator for the UCC. “It’s a really exciting thing to see.”
The UCC also provides Mission: 1 resources, including a campaign kit and manual, on its website.
Larkman says she has already heard numerous creative ideas from participants, including one New Jersey church member that is using extreme-couponing skills to generate a sizable food donation with a small expenditure.
“Any level of participation is welcome. Even the smallest gesture can be very effective, because there is strength in numbers,” Larkman said.
The Rev. Bonnie Condon, vice president of faith outreach for Illinois-based CHHSM member Advocate Health Care, agrees that there is no donation too small.
“Even by giving a small amount or spending a short amount of time, you can effect the health of your community in a positive way,” Condon said. “This is our opportunity to make a difference in our larger world.”
Advocate is encouraging each of its 30,000 employees to donate at least one item of healthy food to Mission: 1. It is also in the planning stages of developing several other projects to contribute to Mission: 1’s goals.
Condon said, “There are so many people in our cities who just do not have access to healthy food. This is extremely important. Helping to distribute healthy food in underserved communities is absolutely critical.”
