Last night, Dec. 12, 2013 was the first informational meeting about the food pantry planting initiative in central Indiana.

Addressing hunger through grassroots movement.

Although it was a very cold night, it was attended by more than 30 people. The main topic of the night was about establishing self-sustained food pantries.

Based on recent statistics, the hungry in central Indiana is rising in number. Some say that 1 out of 6 is hungry or cannot afford nutritious meal. The hungry could be living next door. They may be wearing nicer clothes because the used to have good paying job but are now unemployed, under employed or on social security or disability.

We know that there are underutilized resources around us. Surrounding us are vacant lots that are yet to be cultivated. There are available space at churches, schools and community centers that could be food pantry sites.

Jesus said that relationship is the key to Kingdom living (Matt. 22:37). I think the major cause of hunger in the US is not food alone, but relationship also. A family next door maybe suffering from hunger but the neighbors may not know about it. Most of the time, we do not really know our neighbors. The busyness of our lives have contributed to the issue of relationship. The Internet had our world connected but it created a huge void in personal relationship. Our relationship with God and others can change our world and can solve the hunger problems in our neighborhoods.

How can we solve the hunger problem while building our relationships with one another?

• Acts 6 – identify the needs and resources
• Mark 16 – share the Gospel
• Matthew 28 – discipleship or training

We have responsibility to our neighbors and to God’s creation. The plan of the FHL Food Pantry planting movement is to mobilize neighborhoods to look after each other through a simple, yet relational food pantry. We create opportunities to:

• gather resources
• influence others with Christian principles
• serving while learning how to be missional community

The harvest is plentiful!

One of FHL Food Pantries near downtown Indy

In the context of a food pantry, we can address people’s physical and spiritual hunger and, disciple more people in practical ways. God had provided a powerful way to create opportunities to expand the Kingdom of God.

Whether you are called to bag groceries, pass out flyers to invite those in need of food, put food collection boxes in businesses, call people to follow up or to pray for them, there are tremendous opportunities waiting for almost anyone who want to make a difference in other’s lives.

I would like to hear from you what you think of the concept of the food pantry planting movement, specially those who have attended the breakfast in Nov. and the informational meeting last night. I am looking forward to see more food pantries become missional communities where food comes second only to relationship.

God bless you,

Merlin