GAMC0938
October 6, 2009

Presbyterian Hunger Program encourages participation in Food Week of Action, Oct. 11- 18, 2009

Events, actions and resources available

Contact:
Mindy Marchal, (502) 569-5212

LOUISVILLE — The global food crisis is far from over. This year for the first time in history, the number of undernourished people surpassed 1 billion — about one in six people. Presbyterians and people of faith around the world are calling for fair trade rules and cancellation of debt for poor countries. 

Presbyterians are encouraged to address the food crisis by advocating for fairer trade rules and debt cancellation of impoverished countries during the Food Week of Action, October 11 — 18, 2009 at the Food Crisis Web site.

“The magnitude of the worldwide food crisis is indeed alarming, especially as we continually see how our own human hands, actions and choices are compounding what is effectively a preventable global disaster,” said Linda Valentine, executive director of the General Assembly Mission Council. “During the upcoming Food Week of Action, I encourage all Presbyterians to live out the gospel imperative to share the good news with the poor, the hungry, and the dispossessed by participating on an individual and congregational level in advocating for just economic policies and by learning more about the causes of the food crisis.”

The Presbyterian Church USA started monthly, 40-hour fasts a year ago to raise awareness about the problem and invited Presbyterians to reflect, learn and act on the global food crisis.

Donna, a Presbyterian who has participated in the fast states, “The food crisis is so huge, it seems to me that the PC(USA) needs to continue to address it from a multi-faceted perspective — education; immediate relief; Self-Development of People; fair trade; prayer; petitions, activism, etc. Deep thanks for your excellent work in this arena.”

To supplement the Food Week of Action and the fast for the Global Food Crisis the Presbyterian Hunger Program is announcing two new curriculums. 

Just Eating? Practicing Our Faith at the Table is a six-week study recently adapted into middle school-age youth curriculum. Just Eating demonstrates the strong relationship between our faith and our food. It also explores ways young people can create just, sustainable food systems so all can have enough healthy food.

A newly released online curriculum, Globalization We Can Grasp offers timely examples of individuals and groups making positive changes and ways you can do the same. See the curriculum online.