How do we begin or strengthen an existing hunger ministry?

BEGINNING A HUNGER MINISTRY
http://www.namb.net/site/c.9qKILUOzEpH/b.258450/

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 that 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.

Identify your resources. Ascertain church groups (Sunday School, WMU, 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

Determine the additional dollar amount needed to start the project. Request that amount from your local association or contact your state convention’s Church and Community Ministries (CCM) staff for information on availability of hunger funds. The North American Mission Board (NAMB) distributes hunger funds to the state conventions.  Texas Baptists can contact Dr. Tomi Lee Grover of the Baptist General Convention of Texas at 214-887-5428 or by email at: tomi.grover@bgct.org.

About a Food Pantry
In planning a food pantry, it is very important to be culturally sensitive. For example, some ethno-cultural groups would prefer rice instead of potatoes.

Make a list of items needed for the food pantry (please, see Suggested Items below). Divide the list among mission groups, Sunday School classes, and others who want to help. Ask each group to supply the items on its list. After the pantry has been stocked, ask the groups to take turns restocking monthly. Provide groups with a list of special items needed.

• Purchase additional food as needed. In addition to joining the local food bank, develop a contact with a wholesale food distributor or grocery store.
• Label storage shelves. Arrange items neatly and in a workable order.
• Arrange food items in an orderly manner. Stock only basic items that are in good condition, not cast-off, out-of-date things that nobody wants or needs.
• Plan to discard outdated items. Write dates received on labels. Discard unused items on a regular basis.
• Divide large bags and boxes of food into smaller containers. Macaroni, rice, grits, meal, and dried beans can be frozen for 24 hours, then placed in plastic milk cartons or other containers. They will then keep for quite a while on the shelf.

Suggested Items for a Food Pantry
Be sure that emergency food is nutritious and nonperishable. For example:
• Nonfat dry milk
• Canned vegetables
• Pancake mix (complete)
• Pancake syrup
• Oatmeal
• Grits
• Cereal
• Shortening or oil
• Baby food
• Tomato sauce
• Spaghetti sauce
• Chili
• Canned tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines
• Vienna sausage, other meats in pull-top cans
• Canned fruit and fruit juices
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Macaroni, noodles, or other pasta
• Salt
• Rice
• Dried beans and peas
• Beef stew
• Instant potatoes
• Biscuit mix
• Box meals
• Soups (dried or canned)
• Paper goods: paper towels, bathroom tissue, facial tissues

Suggested Emergency Grocery Pack
When preparing grocery packages, think about the ethno-cultural background of the beneficiaries. Consider also their age and living conditions. People without cooking facilities would benefit from
pre-cooked, canned, or packed food.

• 1 48-ounce can of orange or grapefruit juice
• 2 boxes of cereal or 1 box of pancake mix (complete)
• 4 macaroni and cheese dinners (complete)
• 1 pound of dried beans
• 4 1-quart packages of dried milk
• 1 box of crackers
• 3 cans of meat
• 2 packages of cornbread or biscuit mix
• 4 cans of soup
• 4 cans of vegetables (yellow and green)
• 1 pound of noodles or spaghetti
• 2 cans of pork and beans
• 2 cans of tomato sauce
• 2 cans of fruit
• 1 package of bathroom tissue
• $10 credit voucher for eggs, bread, and milk

A Word about Evaluation – Strengthen your ministry by evaluating your program and progress.
There are two main reasons to develop an evaluation system for the hunger ministry. First, it may serve as a progress report. Hearing about God’s work through this ministry will inspire the local church. Secondly, if the ministry receives funds from NAMB, the local association and state convention will need to report quarterly about the use of those funds.  Those reports are distributed by the state representative.   Texas Baptists can contact Dr. Tomi Lee Grover of the Baptist General Convention of Texas at 214-887-5428 or by email at: tomi.grover@bgct.org.

The evaluation instrument may be a simple form. An example of items to include could be the number of people served, witnessing results such as professions of faith, baptisms, and Bible study groups. Additional items could be church member participation, number of volunteers involved, personal testimonies of volunteers, networking opportunities with other evangelical groups and/or community resources.

How to apply for Hunger Funds – Follow the procedures of your local association. If the association has none, contact the Church and Community staff at your state convention’s office. Secure an application from your local associational office and find out if your local association has any guidelines pertaining to hunger ministries. Texas Baptists can contact Dr. Tomi Lee Grover of the Baptist General Convention of Texas at 214-887-5428 or by email at: tomi.grover@bgct.org.