Hunger Ministry
We are called by God in Christ to bring good news and to proclaim release to those held captive by human structures and injustices. Discipleship means evaluating our lifestyle choices and adopting changes that reflect our faith and give witness to our commitments to mission and justice.
The HUNGER MINISTRY TEAM of PEVA, believing that hunger is unacceptable, leads and challenges the churches of PEVA and its entities in Christ’s name to alleviate chronic hunger and its immediate causes at home and abroad through information dissemination, education, advocacy, and the provisions of resources.
There is always a need for new members to join the PEVA Hunger Ministry Team which is part of the Compassion, Peace, and Justice Team please contact the PEVA office.
Nickel-A-Meal
If every member in our presbytery gave just 5 cents a meal, $54.75 a year that’s a lot of spare change!
Migrant Farm Workers & Seasonal Agriculture Workers Ministry
Please remember the Migrant Farm Workers and Seasonal Agriculture Workers in your prayers as they work in the fields with their families this season. Please consider adding this ministry to your outreach projects. Contact: jessica@pcusa-peva.org
Hunger Grants Available
Our neighbors in Southeastern Virginia, the Peninsula and the Eastern Shore are feeling the impact of the end of SNAP Emergency Allotments, this has dramatically reduced their monthly food budget, led to increased demand for food assistance at food banks and or church food pantries.
If your church is seeking funds for food and hunger related ministries PEVA's Hunger Ministry Team has grants available. Nickel-A-Meal (NAM) (for direct food relief only, grants due Aug 31st) and Church Community Hunger (limited to the community, not limited to food, & no deadline to apply)
PEVA Wide Cereal Campaign in June
PEVA Collected 1,210 servings of cereal and 154 servings of oatmeal in June of 2024.
Children who rely on free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch at school often go without enough to eat during the summer at home. You and your church can step up to the bowl by collecting cereal and oatmeal to provide breakfast to children throughout Hampton Roads. Collect at your church keep hallf collected for your food ministry and donate the rest to the PEVA drive.
Hunger Facts
56% of households participated in one or more of the three largest federal nutrition assistance programs SNAP, WIC and the National School Lunch programs. (2021)
1 in 8 kids in the United States are living with hunger.
A total of $114 billion in SNAP benefits in the US was distributed (FY 2022.)
A total of $114 billion in SNAP benefits in the US was distributed (FY 2022.)
1 in 3 people facing hunger unlikely to qualify for SNAP
Hidden hunger is a term used to describe what happens when vitamins and minerals are not part of the diet.
In Virginia
1 in 13 people struggle to put food on the table!
(updated 9/21/23)
1 in 10 children face hunger.
More than 65% of SNAP participants are in families with children.
More than 35%
are in families with members who are older adults or are disabled.
More than
37% are in working families
(less than $25,000 a year)
Food Insecure In Virginia 704,270 which is 8.1% (2021)
12,305 youth participants, 3,553 adults participants and 1,109 teacher/volunteer participants in SNAP-Nutritution Education. (2023)
In Hampton Roads
1 in 4 children go to bed hungry
1 in 13 neighbors are food insecure
Average meal cost $3.48 )per person)
References, Bread for the World, No Kid Hungry, USDA , Feeding America, SNAP, South Eastern Food Bank and VA Department of Social Services, Eat Smart Move Smart.
(Updated 2/23/24)
Other Hunger & Poverty Related Resources & Links
PC(USA) Giving Catalog - Small gifts, big impacts
One Great Hour of Sharing - supports efforts to relieve hunger through the Presbyterian Hunger Program, promote development through the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, and assist in areas of disaster through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. All three programs work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need.
One Fair Wage - works to advance policy, drive industry change, and shift the narrative in order to ensure that all workers in America are paid at least the full minimum wage from their employers.
Food Sovereignty For All - Overhauling the Food System with Faith-Based Initiatives
Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia
Earth Care Congregations - Is your church active in earth care or interested in becoming more involved in being stewards of God’s earth?
Take the “Earth Care Pledge”
Ten Commandments of Food - It has theological reflections and steps for faithful action on each of the 10 commandments of food.
Seeing Jesus 60 Social Justice Activities for Today Based on Matthew 25 -
Hunger Action Congregations
The Hunger Action Congregation process celebrates the faithful work of Presbyterians around the country who are responding to the biblical call to help alleviate hunger and end its causes. Your church can be a covenanting Hunger Action Congregation if you are active in at least one of the six areas. Congregations acting in all six areas can be Certified Hunger Action Congregations.
Ending Hunger and Its Causes
Six Areas:
- Hunger Alleviation
- Development Assistance
- Hunger Education
- Lifestyle Integrity
- Corporate and Public Policy
- Witness
- Worship
Download a copy of the Covenant
11 PEVA churches are Hunger Action Congregations: Community Hampton, First United, Hilton, Groves Memorial, King's Grant, Saint Andrew, Simonsdale, Third, Royster Memorial, Williamsburg & Wycliffe.
So many PEVA’s churches are working in the areas of hunger, why not share all the great things you are doing and inspire others. If you would like help in completing the application or you would just like to share your hunger ministry you may contact
PEVA's Hunger Action Advocate
or 757-397-7063.
There are over 182 Hunger Action Congregations across the country.
Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP)
Presbyterian Hunger Program - The Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP) works to alleviate hunger and eliminate its root causes. As recognized by PC(USA) policies, hunger is an extremely complex phenomenon with economic, political, environmental, and social causes.
(Updated 12/11/24)
Matthew 25 Movement
We are called to actively engage in the world around us, so our faith comes alive and we wake up to new possibilities. We are invited to act boldly and compassionately to serve people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor. Join in with our brothers and sisters and we can help our denomination (PCUSA) be a more relevant, unified presence in the world.
Eradicating Systemic Poverty Resource Packet
5 Spiritual Practices to End Poverty
Office Hours
*Monday - Thursday 9AM-4PM
*Friday 10AM - 4PM
Phone 757-397-7063
Fax 757-397-7246
*A staff member is usually available between 10-4. Please call before coming to the office.
Directions
801 Loudoun Ave.
Portsmouth, VA 23707
