The World Hunger Relief fund, which provides financial assistance to food pantries across the state, has been exhausted for 2007.
The fund consists of donations from South Carolina Baptist churches through the World Hunger Relief offering, collected throughout the year and during a special emphasis in October. But this year, the number of entities requesting assistance has risen, while the amount given to the offering has declined.
“Our current requests have exhausted the existing fund,” said Ronnie Cox, South Carolina Baptist Convention mobilization strategist.
Established in 1979, one hundred percent of all World Hunger Relief donations given go to feed hungry people internationally, in North American and in South Carolina. Twenty-five percent of total collections stay in state. ?
Since 2002, offering amounts have steadily declined by more than $120,000 or 17 percent while the number of households assisted by local food pantries has increased by 41,045 or 77 percent. And if the number of households helped so far this year were annualized, it would be an increase of 28,000 or 30 percent this year alone.
“We cannot distribute funds we do not have-we appreciate the willingness of our people to give and to staff pantries.? Our pantries have simply used the funds,” said Cox.
The fund assists food pantries and ministries run by churches, Baptist associations or other community pantries working closely with a church or association. Many ministries depend on donations of either food or money to operate.? Food pantries can request up to $500 once a month based on the number of households and individuals served.? Most request the maximum allowed.
Food ministries received a letter from the convention in July detailing the shortage.
Cox says churches have recently received World Hunger Relief packets that explain the reach of the offering and the overwhelming need of people who do not have enough to eat in South Carolina. ?
Though no one factor is responsible for the decrease in the offering, Cox hopes individuals can recognize the need and give at any point in the year, not just the World Hunger Relief emphasis scheduled this year for Sunday, Oct. 14.?
“Immediate and vigorous response is needed from our churches if we are to continue distributing foods as we desire to do so,” he said.
For more information, contact the SCBC’s missions mobilization group at (800) 723-7242 ext. 5601.