One month into being 65 and I’ve spent most of that time blowing or wiping my nose and/or coughing up phlegm. (Side note: I really love the word “phlegm.” Just the word, not the actual stuff.) Lots of sickness as we start 2025. And I’m not just referring to the physical stuff.

My heart is sick over the plight of those less fortunate than I am. The homeless, orphaned, widowed, the untouchables who live in our communities. Those who spend hours searching for ways to feed their families when the income column totals are significantly less than the expense column.

According to Feeding America, 47 million people in the United States are food insecure, including 14 million children. Every county in every state has food insecurity. What does that mean? Millions of our friends and family, neighbors and strangers, don’t have enough food to eat or access to healthy food.

What Can Be Done?

Our church conducts a food drive at least three times a year. We contribute to local food pantries with the items they request the most: canned goods, toiletries, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies. All things we buy every day. Our compassionate congregation fills our church platform with paper towels, tissue, diapers, boxes of canned fruit and vegetables, soap, shampoo, and whatever else finds its way into our shopping baskets. But three times a year barely makes a dent in the need.

As we whine about the cost of eggs, those who shop in the pantries never expect to find those little orbs of gold. When we buy steaks to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a loved one, the pantry gets a run on boxed mac and cheese. Meatless Mondays isn’t a cool vegetarian trend—it’s a necessity for many families (and not just Mondays either).

So many people, now more than ever, are just one job loss, missed paycheck, or medical emergency away from hunger. The need is great. But the shame is greater.

Why Didn’t I Know About This?

A few years ago, during the pandemic, our church participated in a food giveaway with a non-profit that provided a box of produce, canned goods, and fresh meat and milk to whoever needed it. I remember we requested 50 boxes to give away for free. No ID required. Just drive up to the door and we’d load the box (or boxes) into the car. Most of our congregation didn’t think anyone would show up…that their little community didn’t have a hunger problem. What we found was yes, our community does have a hunger problem, but we also have a pride problem. We had to beg people to come get free food…not because they didn’t need it, but because they were ashamed to show their friends and neighbors they needed it.

If you have never been inside a food pantry or had to sign up your kids for free breakfasts or lunches at school, you are blessed. You better realize that. Our neighbors are struggling every day, and we can’t turn a blind eye any longer. Jesus warns us of the consequences of ignoring those in need around us.

What Can I Do?

In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus calls those righteous who minister to the hungry, thirsty, homeless, naked, sick, and imprisoned.

It’s time to realize our Sunday worship services aren’t to show God how much we love Him. It’s to get filled with His Spirit so we can go out into the world to serve those who need to know the One who can provide everything they need: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. That’s how God knows we love Him.

It starts by reaching out to those we usually look right past. And I’m preaching to myself. It’s super easy to buy extra cans of soup at the grocery store. Not as easy to drop my pride and judgment and help someone face-to-face.

During this difficult and uncertain time in our history, consider those less fortunate. Take a moment to celebrate your blessings, and then, from the abundance you have been given, pass it along to someone else.

And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”

Matthew 10:42 (NIV)

No matter what community you live in, I guarantee there is somewhere you can donate food and household supplies. Use that Google thing. Search “local food pantries near me,” and you’ll get quite a list, I’m sure.

One of my favorites, right here in my town, is HACAP.