Hunger and Poverty

Priority #4: Hunger and Poverty

God’s Word: He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, And will break in pieces the oppressor. Psalm 72:4 NKJV

Church Women United recognizes the pandemic worsened work life for many who cobble together several low wage jobs to make ends meet, whereas others thrived. Since WWII, many majority families built wealth primarily from increasing home values, whereas minority families were locked in neighborhoods with declining property values often taken by eminent domain. The result is a disparity in generational wealth along racial lines. This means many families are not able to assist each other during a crisis.

Women of faith strive for a just society that provides a temporary safety net, which includes unemployment compensation or stipends, and training for new careers. Maintaining some income will lessen food insecurity, forestall evictions, and reduce stress. Job loss should not result in losing one’s home, community, and savings thereby lapsing into poverty. Stability fosters a learning environment for children preparing them for success.

Focus: Wealth Inequality

Action Steps:

 Support local and national legislation for workers rights to advance work schedules, a living wage, sick and family leave, and benefits.

 Advocate for access to fresh produce, the elimination of food deserts in urban and rural communities, and, community garden programs.

 Support CWU’s United Against Hunger Campaign by donating to and volunteering at local Food Banks or pantries.

 Coordinate or support the collection of unspoiled, healthy food to donate to neighbors in need. Donated food feeds people not landfills and saves money.

 Sponsor cooking demonstrations and share, Eat Well on $4/Day Good & Cheap.

 Explore the challenges of living in poverty through Bread for the World’s Racial Wealth Gap Simulation.

 Explore the website: The Red Road: The Issue of Native American Poverty

 Recommended reading: Corbett, Steve and Fikkert, Brian, When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor… and Yourself, Moody Publishers, ©2012. Vance, JD, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crises by JD Vance, HarperCollins, ©2016.