The government shut down highlighted how many people are food insecure in our state. Almost every parish in the ECCT already addresses this issue in some way. We have had to find even more creative ways to meet the increased need for assistance in the last six weeks. Unfortunately, the need is not going away with the government reopening. One way you can help is to be sure people in your community know how to find the resources they need. Be sure lists are available in your parish, on-line and at various public gathering places. Helping others requires us to pray for those who need help and those offering help. It requires us to learn what is needed and what is preventing access to food in our community. We need to act on resolving those issues. It also requires us to advocate for those children and adults who are food insecure.
Twelve percent of CT’s population was considered food insecure in 2022 and that percentage is growing each year. There are also over 200 food deserts, places where there are no grocery stores within a mile of someone’s home.
The deacons hope to help parishes figure out how to address this issue in their local community by sharing stories of how parishes across CT have responded to those who are hungry. Parishes in ECCT respond to the needs of their communities in many and varied ways depending on their size and location. Some plant community gardens that offer fresh vegetables and fruit to individuals and food pantries. Others run or support a food kitchen. Some hold community meals for their neighbors at no or a low cost. Some work to be sure the food that is not sold in grocery stores or restaurants does not end up in our landfills but is gifted to someone who needs it. We would like to add your parish’s story to our list so that we can see how God is working in CT through the efforts of our parishioners. If you want your parish listed, send the name of your parish and how you address food insecurity to eradeacon@gmail.com.
Each of our stories will include how the ministry connects faith with action. We hope these stories will inspire congregations to try on a new way of addressing taking care of the food insecure in our state.
We are also hoping the stories will help you understand the role deacons play in the church. We are looking for more people to consider a calling to the diaconate. Deacons are a bridge between the parishioners and the communities where they are live. They are called to be sure the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely are served. Browse the Deacon’s Page on the ECCT website for more information, or talk to a deacon or priest about this order. You can also contact Canon for Lay and Ordained Vocations, the Rev. Rebecca Hatch at rhatch@episcopalct.org.