Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. (Luke 6:21)

The readings for All Saints Day, November 1, which many of us will celebrate on Sunday, include pointed words from Jesus which will surely hit hard this weekend in particular, as SNAP benefits (food stamps) are not expected to be distributed in  November as a result of the government shutdown. Approximately one in nine people in Ohio benefit from SNAP and will be affected by this suspension of distributions.

St Michael’s in the Hills, Toledo and their Rector, the Rev. Gayle Catinella have offered some suggestions of some ways we as a church and individuals may choose to respond, including:

Spiritual Practices in a Time of Famine

1.   Fasting, possibly from a luxury item you regularly purchase. Use that small sacrifice to call to mind people who don’t have a choice. You can use the money you save for food pantry donations.

2.   Refrain from posting food pictures on social media. In a time when people have much less than they need, it feels unnecessarily cruel.

3.   A Prayer Before Meals, written by the Education for Ministry Class (10.22.25):

God of abundance, who knows suffering and hunger, we know we are blessed to have this meal. You fed the 5000 hungry with loaves and fishes through the generosity of all and the sharing of individual abundance. Today we too have thousands of hungry people here at home, and countless more across the country. Heal us from our blindness and stubbornness, open our hearts, minds and hands, so that we can restore dignity and justice to our siblings in need. Transform us by your call to action, so that we may show forth our love for others by feeding, advocating, donating, praying and giving hope to all. Amen.

Practical Help to Offer

1.   Donate 10% of your food budget to purchase food for pantries or send a monetary donation.

2.   If you choose to purchase food, choose healthy items that pack nutrition such as protein, vegetables, or fruit. Pop top cans are easier. Please refrain from donating that can of whatever has been in the back of your pantry for months. Keep in mind that the people receiving the food probably don’t have the extra ingredients your favorite recipe needs.

3.   Donate a can opener.

4.   Try to patronize the smaller groceries that depend on their neighbor’s SNAP benefits to stay in business.

If you have any other ideas, please share them! Open your heart to loving your neighbor in theory and in practice.

Other ideas include contacting local libraries, community centers, even schools to find out how they plan to support their constituents during this time of crisis, and how you as an individual and/or faith community might help.

Continue to pray for all affected by the current shutdown, including those working without pay, those concerned for their job security, those unable to tend to the work that is important to them and the clients they worry for, and for a country unable to come together even to feed the most vulnerable among us. You may wish to contact your local state and federal representatives to ask how else benefits and people can be supported.

Finally, if you have a food or relief ministry and you have ideas or requests to share, please don’t hesitate to be in touch.

May you and those you serve be blessed with generosity,

Rosalind +