Lord, to those who hunger, give bread.
And to those who have bread, give the hunger for justice.
-Latin American prayer
Why is this Ministry Important?
We are motivated to kick off the 17th year that RCPC has tackled the ever-growing problem of food insecurity within our community. The need has never been greater. According to Feeding America statistics, food insecurity overall within the state of Virginia in 2024 was roughly 12.7% of the population; for children, it was 16%, but for the children in Roanoke City it was a staggering 24.2%. All these numbers reflect an increase from 2018. The research has found that food insecurity leads to poor physical, social, and emotional health outcomes. For children, food insecurity directly affects children’s self-esteem and academic performance. RCPC supports Hurt Park and Lincoln Terrace, which are the two elementary schools within Roanoke City with the highest population of children in need and are located less than 2 miles from our church. Since 2023, we’ve added Woodrow Wilson and Lucy Addison Middle Schools to our programs.
What Do We Do?
We support nearly 200 children at Hurt Park and Lincoln Terrace Elementary Schools. We purchase, pack, and deliver bags of nutritionally rich and appealing food. Our goal is that the food bags we deliver at the end of each week during the school year will cover the child’s food needs through the weekend. At Woodrow Wilson and Lucy Addison Middle Schools, the food we provide is delivered to students through innovative “pantry” programs. These programs allow school counselors to provide food to students in a tailored fashion, and with discretion, which is an important consideration with a middle school child. It also gives the counselors the ability to teach classes on nutrition and cooking skills. We are also excited to report that for the second year in a row we are partnering with three other churches on Grandin Road: St Elizabeth Episcopal Church, Heights Community Church, and Christ Lutheran Church in the financial support of these middle school pantry programs.
How Can You Help?
We could not do this meaningful work without your generosity and prayerful support. Thank you! Here are ways you may consider helping us in the upcoming school year:
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Be a part of the Tailgate for Hunger fundraising event on Wednesday, September 30. This fun cornhole tournament event is the kickoff to our weekly Fellowship Dinners and is our most significant fundraising event of the year. Consider signing up to be a player, sponsor a cornhole station, or help us set up or clean up the event. We need you - more information to follow!
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We need more food bag packers! This rewarding job takes place at 10:00 AM Thursday mornings at RCPC for Lincoln Terrace, and for Hurt Park, the team meets at 10:00 AM in the Hurt Park Elementary School cafeteria.
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Our monthly volunteer team that picks up canned and boxed food from the Food Bank one morning per month is outstanding.
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Consider giving a financial donation to the Hunger Mission (and small jars of peanut butter are always appreciated)!
Hunger Mission Leadership Team:
Henry Schaefer, Cindy Schaefer, Marilyn Martin, Lisa Lovegrove, Paula Derbyshire, Linda Brundrett