Feeding others

Jesus turns to his disciples and says, “You give them something to eat.” St. Paul holds a core conviction that hungry people must be fed. On Hunger Awareness Weekend, August 29 & 30, from local meals to global relief, food expresses love for our neighbors near and far. Here’s how you can help:

Kids Against Hunger packaging
The cost of each meal is 25 cents. The ingredients are simple: rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, vitamins and minerals. But to countless people in countries throughout the world, these simple items are the difference between life and death.

On Sunday, August 30, St. Paul people will have the opportunity to help package approximately 20,000 meals to help others survive. Kids and adults are welcome.

Kids Against Hunger meals are formulated by food scientists to provide a rich source of easily digestible protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins needed by a malnourished child. The food also accommodates a range of ethnic tastes and religious differences.

The meals offer all nine of the essential amino acids required for complete nutrition. All that’s needed to prepare it is boiling water. After the meals are packaged at St. Paul, they will be sent to Haiti, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Ten percent of the meals will remain in the Quad Cities to feed people here.

To sign up for a half-hour shift that Sunday morning, visit stpaulqc.org/sign-up-center.

Friendly House Food Pantry gathering
The annual summer food drive will be held the weekend of August 29-30. Stock a paper bag with nonperishable food items and bring it to worship that weekend. The food gathered will be used to fill the shelves at the Friendly House Food Pantry.

This time is difficult for families who are food insecure, pantry leaders say. The transition of going back to school costs money – money that is usually used for food.

Grocery bags will be distributed the weekend of Aug. 22-23. Please make sure donated items are not expired. Anything that is past its date must be thrown away.
What’s needed? Soups, mac & cheese, canned meat (chicken & tuna), cereal, peanut butter, jelly, toilet paper, bar soap, laundry soap.

St. Paul Community Garden food share
Too many tomatoes? Not enough squash? Need some zucchini? Need to curb your herbs? The 2015 St. Paul Garden Share will be held on Sunday, August 30.  It’s like a farmers’ market on Sunday, organizer Matt Schroeder said.

Tables will be set up in the Gathering Area for St. Paul people to bring bounty from their gardens they don’t need or can’t use. St. Paul people are welcome to take what they can use or share with others.  The harvest left over will be donated to Café on Vine.