Food Insecurity 2025: Work of the Kingdom

“For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink…when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me” Matthew 25:35-40

131,000 Iowa families could go without food if the government shutdown continues and SNAP benefits aren’t sent out on Nov. 1. 1 in 8 Iowans face food insecurity. Community organizations across the metro are planning as if the benefits won’t go out and stepping up to fill the gap. Food bank of Iowa is preparing for increasing needs as they rely on donations.

Do what you can…

• Food donations are fine, but most programs can do more with cash donation. Food pantries have more purchasing power.

• Give your time. Volunteer with the Embarc food pantry, Joppa meal distribution and Autumn

  bags. There are any ways to volunteer in community pantries.

• Donate to community freestanding food pantries.

• Free community libraries boxes are being converted into small pantries. If those don’t exist where you are, make it happen. Staples are always good - pasta and sauce, peanut butter, rice, dried beans, canned soups, cooking oil, canned tuna and chicken. Choose things that don’t require other ingredients to prepare. Toiletries are always welcome.

• Purchase grocery gift cards in any amount and keep them with you to give to someone who’s been impacted.

• Adopt a ‘grocery buddy’ who’s going to lose Snap. Volunteer to take one person shopping and pay for their needs for the month of November.

Jesus declared His Kingdom come. That means for Christians we live in the reality of that Kingdom. We work in the reality of that Kingdom. Heaven is also here now. Here there are hungry people. Right now people are experiencing oppression and injustice. The world to come will be glorious, and the one we are in now is full of God’s glory.

Let us work relentlessly to do the work of His Kingdom now. Compassion is free. Feed the Hungry.