“For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, you shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.” (Deuteronomy, 15:11)

Hunger is always on my mind. …..

In 2012, I attended a North Texas Hunger Summit at the Market Center in downtown Dallas. That was when I learned about the Texas Hunger Initiative (THI), a collaborative effort started by Baylor School of Social Work to dramatically reduce food insecurity in Texas. 

Headed up by Jeremy Everett, M.Div., THI began to establish “Food Planning Associations” in major Texas Cities including Dallas. Today, the Dallas Coalition for Hunger Solutions is strong and moving forward with the mission to, ensure all people have access to healthy food (Dallas County and beyond). 

In Texas, 15% of the population are food insecure… meaning no source for healthy food on daily basis. In Dallas County food insecurity is more prevalent with 18 percent of the overall population and nearly one-fourth of children who are food insecure. There are several factors working together including the economy, poverty, mental illness and natural disasters. And lets not forget our seniors who are also greatly impacted - estimating over 20,000 food insecure seniors in Dallas County, many of whom live on limited resources, are often physically disabled and have limited access to transportation. 

Children who do not receive adequate nutrition often have a difficult time concentrating which in turn results in poor school performance. Feeding America’s research indicates that children who are food insecure are more likely to have chronic illness (anemia, asthma) and are more likely to be hospitalized and have poor dental health.

The Dallas Coalition for Hunger Solutions is working hard through five action teams to address the food insecurity issues in this county. I am blessed to have been on the leadership team since inception and most fortunate to co-lead the “Faith Community Action Team” with Jana Jackson, Dallas Baptist Association.

Our goal is to reach out to congregations of all faiths to encourage them to find ways to address hunger in their own communities. We do this through a toolkit or guide titled Hunger Solutions for the Faith Community.  In this guide (3^rd Edition) are ten tested, effective solutions to the problem of hunger. These solutions already exist in the community and require limited financial commitment. The faith community is needed to make a difference!  

Since the promotion of this tool kit, more than 100 addition congregations or faith organizations have implemented an effective solution in their community to reduce food insecurity. You can download the most recent guide here: http://dallashungersolutions.org/wp-content/uploads/Hunger-Solutions-Guide-III-FINAL.pdf

There is a lot at stake on the policy platform with regard to food insecurity---reduction of breakfast and lunch programs for children in school as well as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). There are many myths about SNAP, but the reality is that this program assists mostly working families with children and seniors who often sacrifice food in order to make it through the month. 

Whatever one’s political or social views, we cannot avoid what Jesus taught us…To feed those who are hungry, clothe those who are naked and to love others----to love everyone unconditionally. It is Christ’s love and his sacrifice for us that enable us to walk in his footsteps, to go out as disciples and serve others.

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? (James 2: 15-16)

If your congregation is interested in how it can make a difference in food insecurity in the community, please contact me. I would be glad to help. www.dallashungersolutions.org

 

Dabney Dwyer

Community Outreach Liaison, EDOD

214 500-7205 or