Waverly Presbyterian Offers Abundant Hope

If you're one of the many people who has wondered if your paycheck will cover all of the expenses for the month, you may already be acutely aware of the issue of hunger in our community.

According to a 2010 report by Feeding America, last year more than 37 million people were fed through voluntary food pantries, which have become a safety net for the poor in the United States.

Moreover, a November 2009 article by the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine estimates that about half of all American children will receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits at some point before age 20.

Clearly, hunger is a widespread concern that in the eyes of many is an issue of social justice. Hunger is a problem that deserves the best efforts of individuals and institutions of both religious and non-religious affiliations.

For those who are wondering what they can do to help or would simply like to become more aware of the issues and resources concerning hunger in our community, Waverly Presbyterian Church in Regent Square is offering a mission project called "Abundant Hope" on June 24 to 30.

The project, free to the public, "will offer participants of all ages the opportunity to help their neighbors in need, grow in their understanding of the extent of hunger in our neighborhood, region, country, and world, raise awareness, and advocate for change."

Elements of the project will include hands-on service opportunities, educational programming for all ages, advocacy, and spiritual reflection and worship.

Guest speakers will represent organizations such as the Southwestern Pennsylvania Food Security Collaborative, Just Harvest, and the Pittsburgh Presbytery Malawi Partnership. 

Three evenings will include a movie and discussion concerning hunger issues, and there will also be discussion of the book Exodus from Hunger by David Beckmann.

Hands-on work will be done at both the East End Cooperative Ministries and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

To register or volunteer, please visit Waverly Presbyterian Church's website or call them at 412-242-0643.