“What good is it, my brothers, if some says he has faith but does not have works?” James 2:14 (ESV)
This month, I would like to introduce you to a ministry in our community that is unfortunately growing in the number of clients it serves on a regular basis.
But, let me begin by saying that we live in a great community. A community that, when it sees or hears of needs, reaches deep — not just into their wallets but also into their hearts to help where help is needed.
It’s growth is both positive and negative. First the positive: As it grows, more are being assisted. As I say that, I am so reminded of Jesus’ words to us in Matthew 25, where He says, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink … Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink … And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
With that as our frame of reference, let me share with you about an organization in our community that is near and dear to me. I am talking about our own United Food Bank of Plant City.
Now, the negative from above: As the numbers of clients increase at the food bank, the number of those who are hungry is increasing. Wouldn’t it be great to see the day when our community no longer needs a food bank to help those who are hungry, and the numbers begin to decrease instead of increase?
According to Executive Director Christine Miller, in 2012 the food bank assisted an average of 85 new families per month. To date, we have assisted 176 new families per month. By this time in 2012, we served 5,096 people. To date in 2013, we have assisted 10,407. Here is where we praise God for the people of our community who have put their faith into action. We have received a total of 279,175 pounds (you read that right) of donated food, compared to 198,479 pounds in 2012. But — and you knew this was coming — in 2012, we distributed a total to date of 166,761 pounds of food, while to this point in 2013, we have distributed 321,761 pounds of food. Astounding isn’t it? Can you imagine all that food coming in and going out? But it is and it does, all because of you, the residents of this community, who help us help others and put your faith in to action.
But, the good news doesn’t stop there. Do you realize that this past summer, 2,221 children were served as a part of the Area 6 Children’s Nutritional Outreach Program? That translates into more than 35,536 pounds of groceries, valued at more than $77,434. These meals are targeted for those in our schools who receive free or reduced breakfast and lunch during the school year to provide the needed groceries during the summer months.
Sadly, the need is growing. There still are many in our community in need, and in this pastor’s opinion, no child (or adult, for that matter) should ever go to bed hungry. We need your help.
“As you can see, we are more than doubling the amount of people being fed and the food moving in and out of the food bank, and we are doing this with the same staff and expenses,” Miller says.
How can you help? We are in need of more financial support and good quality volunteers, who can commit to a minimum of two four-hour shifts per week. In addition, in a number of weeks, Thanksgiving will be upon us and, shortly thereafter, Christmas. Our food bank provides hundreds of turkey meals to those in need, costing about $9,000.
Please prayerfully consider a special gift today to the United Food Bank. You can bring groceries or financial support, and you even can designate your gift for holiday turkeys.
We are located at 702 E. Alsobrook St., Suite H, or call (813) 764-0625. As a community, let’s put the feet on our faith. As someone once said, “Faith without works is like a screen door on a submarine.” Give a helping hand to those who are hungry, keeping in mind Jesus’ words to us in Matthew as stated above.
Blessings on your faith journey.
The mission of the United Food Bank of Plant City is to provide assistance for the needy in moving them from a state of hunger and impoverishment to self-sufficiency, empowerment and self-reliance. For more information about the United Food Bank of Plant City, visit the food bank’s website, ufbpc.biz.
The Rev. Dean R. Pfeffer is the senior pastor at Hope Lutheran Church, Plant City. For more, email him at hopepcpastor@gmail.com.