Project: Well-Fed
PROJECT: WELL FED
First Five – Food Ministry
You have heard about the need for food in your community and may wonder, “What can I do?”
Mission Georgia First Five is designed to help you take five steps of action that will begin to uncover ways you can meet needs and share the gospel with people in your area. Each of the five steps will help you see God at work in and through your church. At any point along the way, feel free to email Mission Georgia with questions you may have.
STEP 1
Talk with the leadership of your church about the opportunity to minister to people through food ministry.
- If you’re a pastor, let your congregation know you would like to know who is able to help with this project. Give every member a chance to learn more about this opportunity whether it is youth, families, young adults or senior adults. Designate a leader or co-leaders to carry out steps 2-5.
- If you are a church member, ask to meet with your pastor or other leadership to discuss this opportunity. Ask if the church is already involved in this ministry and discuss the possibility of taking further steps of action.
STEP 2
Register your interest with Mission Georgia.
- Fill out the online Mission Georgia Interest form This simple form will enable Georgia Baptist Mission Board staff to connect with you and let you know of current opportunities and resources you may want to consider.
- You can also inform GBMB staff about ministry opportunities you are aware of.
STEP 3
Connect with an organization or food ministry meeting needs in your community.
- You can do an online search or contact your associational office to discover local ministries.
- Contact a representative of the organization and let them know you are interested in their ministry. Ask them about ways your church can partner. Ask about online or onsite training for volunteers as well as their current needs and the process for food donations.
- Bring information back to your church leadership. Make a plan to send volunteers or donate food within the next 30 days.
- Ask the church to pray for the organization and this opportunity to serve. Pray that God will open doors for gospel conversations.
STEP 4
Gather food and/or volunteers to serve with the food ministry.
- Get the word out to donate food or volunteer. Make sure you create awareness that reaches all age levels and connects through various outlets (email, social media, etc).
- Give a variety of ways for individuals to participate. Some can pray, some can pick up or deliver food, and others can promote or donate funds.
STEP 5
Celebrate the ways your church served the community.
- After you have dropped off food or served at a food ministry, make a big deal of it!
- With permission, post pictures on your church social media using the hashtag #missiongeorgia
- Share brief testimonies during worship services and ask church members to continue to pray for those who are serving the vulnerable.
- Send stories of your experience to info@missiongeorgia.org
Download the FIRST FIVE click here…
For the NEXT FIVE click here…
Download the FIRST FIVE click here
For the NEXT FIVE click here
Awareness
- 411K+ senior citizens are isolated, living alone (Source)
- 319K+ senior citizens are threatened by hunger (Source)
- 84% of the counties with the highest percentage of children at risk for food insecurity are rural (Source)
- 1 in 5 children struggle with hunger in Georgia (Source)
- Seniors, children and rural Georgians are at greatest risk of hunger (Source)
- 40% of food insecure families water down food and drinks(Source)
- 66% of families dealing with food insecurity had to choose between food and medical care(Source)
- More than 2 million Georgians live in a food desert (Source)
Resources
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FOOD MOOD Card
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Caring for our Community Card
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FOOD MOOD Survey
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30 Days and Ways list
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Community Survey
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Georgia Food Banks
30 Days and Ways FAQ
What is a FOOD MOOD Survey?
A FOOD MOOD Survey is a simple way to survey a neighborhood, apartment complex or other multi housing community to learn about the current need for food. While food is a necessity, it also can be a source of anxiety or joy. Download a free FOOD MOOD Survey to personalize and use in your community.
What is a Food Bank?
Georgia has eight food banks that serve communities by providing food to individuals through various programs. Many ministries utilize food banks to provide free food to individuals and families. Food banks are an invaluable community collaborator who are well organized to meet the growing demands of hunger in Georgia. You can partner with a food bank by making donations or by volunteering. You can also speak with your local food bank about bringing food distribution to underserved communities.
What is a Food Ministry?
Food ministries bring the Gospel to people in need through “word and deed”. They work to distribute food to their local community, and as they do, share the Gospel with those they encounter. Often, food ministries directly impact people who are not actively involved in a church. By addressing a physical need, God opens doors to address emotional, relational and spiritual needs.
Some food ministries are part of a church or an association, others are part of nonprofit organizations. You can find food ministries in your area by contacting your local Associational Mission Strategist (Director of Missions) or by doing a simple web search with the name of your city/county and the phrase, “food ministry.” You can also contact info@missiongeorgia.org for help locating the nearest food ministry.
What is a Foster Care Ministry?
Foster Care Ministries (FCMs) bridge the gap between the foster care system and churches. They work to bring Gospel centered care to foster children, foster families and organizations that serve them. Georgia is blessed to have many FCMs across the state. They provide training and avenues of serving the many needs of foster families. Meals, snacks and fresh produce are always needed in a foster care home. Your nearest FCM can help connect you to a family that will appreciate your help. To see our Mission Georgia Foster Care Ministry List, click here.
If you are leading a foster care ministry in Georgia, let us know about your work! Fill out a Mission Georgia Collaboration form (coming soon).
What is a Food Desert?
A food desert is an area in a community in which it is difficult to buy affordable or quality fresh food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines them specifically as low-income communities located more than one mile from a reliable source of fresh produce and other healthy whole foods. More than 2 million Georgians live in a food desert, according to a 2015 Atlanta Journal Constitution investigation.
What is a Local Food Organization?
Each community has formal or informal networks of agencies that work to address hunger. Becoming aware of these networks can help you be more effective in serving hunger needs. Just a little time to do web research, send emails and make calls will help you connect with leaders focused on the current reality. Your local school, Health Department, Police Department, City Council or County Commission and the Mayor’s office can help you identify resources in your community. An easy way to start is to do a web search with the name of your city or county and “food banks”, “food ministries” or “community food distribution”.