2009 Hunger Awareness article

2009 Baptist Hunger Awareness Day and Offering

We are living in difficult economic times. New census data shows that 37.3 million Americans—one out of eight—lived in poverty in 2007. Hunger is a condition of poverty. Living below poverty puts tremendous strains on a household, giving families barely enough money to purchase healthy and nutritious foods as well as other essentials of life. Nutrition research shows that as income goes down, the nutritional adequacy of the household’s diet goes down as well.

In Florida, 770,946 children live in poverty. Nearly one in five Florida children (622,423) is at risk of hunger with limited access to nutritious food. More than 800 million people all over the world go to bed hungry every night. One in 12 persons worldwide is malnourished, including 60 million children under the age of 5. Every 3.6 seconds someone in the world dies of hunger.

The theme for the 2009 World Hunger Awareness Day is Humbled by Hunger. Perhaps nothing is more humbling than being hungry—and having to ask for food. Being hungry knocks self-sufficiency and self esteem right off the block. Being hungry creates an insatiable gnawing sensation that grips every thought.

In 2008, Florida Baptists gave $348,234 to world hunger through the Hunger Awareness Offering. Florida churches receiving hunger funds reported 2,904 persons accepted Christ as their Savior. Be a part of what God is doing through Florida Baptists to meet the needs of the hungry and show the love of Christ.

Many Florida churches will observe the offering on July 12, but others may choose to participate in the Southern Baptist Convention World Hunger Emphasis in October. Undated promotional materials produced by the Florida Baptist Convention can be used for either observance and are available free of charge.

Gifts to both hunger offerings are received by the State Convention. For every dollar that is given to world hunger through the Hunger Awareness Offering; 25 cents remain in Florida, 15 cents is sent to fight hunger in the United States through the North American Mission Board; and 60 cents is distributed through the International Mission Board to battle world hunger. Many agencies collect money for world hunger relief but this is the only way to be assured that 100% of your offering will go to the hungry.