Hunger & Feeding Ministries
Churches from all over the BCNE have and conduct various hunger related ministries. Lifeway research has shown that feeding ministries are the second most popular event form of evangelism done in churches (see BP article- MS Doc). Quoting from that article:

"Government stats show that use of food stamps is up, and our research shows that requests to churches for financial assistance are up," said Scott McConnell, associate director of LifeWay Research. "Three out of four Southern Baptist churches were prepared to give food to those in their community who had needs as the economic difficulties escalated across the country. Churches have the responsibility to help believers be prepared to share the reason for the hope they have in Jesus Christ, and this is a tangible way of being prepared, as Scripture calls us to be."

The BCNE helps to support five specific hunger ministries in the BCNE, through national funds from NAMB and the World Hunger Fund.

We are ready to assist you in growing and developing sound hunger ministry in your church. We can come and meet with leaders and do assessments, consultations or training. Contact Tim Buehner or Josh Brownfield.

Below you will find more information and resources.

Hunger ministries have great capability in not only relieving hunger needs in your community, but provide opportunities for sharing Christ and making new disciples.
In order to get a perspective on what is possible, look at the following fast facts (from NAMB):
  • More than $1.26 million was distributed by NAMB to Southern Baptist Convention state partners to help alleviate hunger in 2008.

  • In 2008, Southern Baptist hunger ministries fed more than 5 million meals to the hungry in North America.

  • More than 100,000 volunteers helped at 2,000 hunger ministry sites throughout the U.S. in 2008.

  • Missionaries and volunteers shared the Gospel more than 785,000 times because of the opportunities provided through domestic hunger ministries.

  • More than 36,000 professions of faith and 5,763 baptisms were reported in 2008 as a result of these hunger ministries.
Starting a Hunger Ministry

The Challenge & Reality
More than 34 million Americans are exposed to the threat of hunger. Each year, 11 million people experience hunger. The reality is that churches have a tremendous impact in serving their communities. "It is important to remember that, except for neighborhood schools, no other social institution penetrates America's neighborhoods as thoroughly as do congregations." (quoting article from Christianity Today).

Our Response
Amidst these circumstances, Southern Baptists have continually responded by contributing to the World Hunger Fund, domestic region. Another response to hunger is to develop a hunger ministry. Hunger ministries take the form of food pantries, soup kitchens, lunch sacks, bags of groceries, food program worship services, food drives, or simply vouchers for purchasing groceries. These ministries provide churches with unique opportunities to share with others the Bread of Life along with bread for living.

Our Opportunity
Any association, church or church member or agency may initiate a hunger ministry. The key is commitment to serve others in the name of Jesus. We are reminded of our privilege to be fruit bearing branches of the Vine (see John 15:5). Branches that do not eat their own fruits but rather share them with those who have not yet been grafted in the Vine initiate hunger ministries.

The Steps
Identify the hunger needs of the community. This will help you decide on the scope of your task.
  • Find out if any other organizations are already servicing the hunger needs of your community. Many times, churches in the area network together in order to provide for the greater needs of the community.
  • Learn about food banks. Salvageable food can be purchased at food banks at a per pound, inexpensive price.
  • Learn about availability of surplus food commodities. Contact your local Human Services Department.
  • Visit NAMB's website for hunger ministries which features many free resources and tools.
  • Utilize this Hunger Ministry Guide (PDF)
  • Visit BCNE's web page on the World Hunger Relief fund.

Identify your resources. Ascertain church groups (Sunday School, small groups, other ministries, mission groups) that can provide volunteers, food supplies, financial help, or any other contributions to the hunger ministry.
Determine the type of ministry and its policies:

  • Food pantry - Soup kitchen - Vouchers - Other
  • Distribution: Daily, Weekly, Biweekly
  • Witnessing practices - Follow-up ministry
  • Record keeping - Reporting