Lord, to those who hunger, give bread.
And to those who have bread, give the hunger for justice.
-Latin American prayer
Why this Ministry is Important? We are motivated to kick off the 15th year that RCPC had 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 2022 was roughly 11% of the population, for children it was 14%, but for the children in Roanoke City it was a staggering 24%. All these numbers reflect an increase from 2018. Anecdotally, we can report that the need within the schools we supported last year was the highest we have ever seen. The research has found, that food insecurity leads to poor physical, social, and emotional health outcomes. For children, food insecurity directly effects their 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. In 2023, RCPC added Woodrow Wilson Middle School to our feeding efforts. The school reports that 80 to 100 students per week face food insecurity.
What Do We Do? We support nearly 250 elementary 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. Most of these students also receive free breakfast and lunch programs. The school counselors, the teachers and the administrators report to us that our efforts are making a difference and we can see it in the children’s expressions of thanks when they receive their food bags. At Woodrow Wilson Middle School the food support they received from RCPC last year has led to a partnership with the Feeding America organization. WWMS will be initiating a innovative “pantry” program. This program will allow school counselors to provide food to students in need, but also allow counselors to teach classes on nutrition and cooking skills. Another exciting development for the upcoming year is that four other churches on Grandin Road including St Elizabeth Episcopal Church, Raleigh Court Methodist Church, Heights Community Church and Christ Lutheran Church have agreed to help us financially fund the work at Woodrow Wilson Middle School.
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 25. This fun corn hole 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 corn horn station or help us set up or clean up the event. We need you - register below!
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We need more food bag packers! This rewarding job takes place each Thursday morning at RCPC for Lincoln Terrace (contact Paula Derbyshire) or for Hurt Park, the team meets at 10:00 AM at the Hurt Park Elementary School cafeteria (contact Nancy Trussell).
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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. If you would like to join this group contact Henry Schaefer.
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Join the Hunger Mission Leadership Team. We are looking for people with a talent for numbers those who love to help with P.R. and advertising, and those who are creative thinkers.
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Consider giving a financial donation to the Hunger Mission (and small jars of peanut butter are always appreciated)!
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Hunger Mission Leadership Team,
Henry Schaefer, Cindy Schaefer, Marilyn Martin, Nancy Trussell, Paula Derbyshire, Linda Brundrett