Since its inception in 1976, the Diocesan Hunger Fund has provided grants to programs that address food insecurity within the geographical area of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. The money for those grants has come from contributions made to the Hunger Fund from congregations and individuals across the diocese. For many years, the Hunger Fund served as one of EDOW’s primary outreach ministries. Yet over time, financial support for the Hunger Fund by churches and community members has dwindled–while the number of church-based food pantries and meal programs has increased, as our congregations strive to be a blessing to their communities. The realization of this fundamental shift in how feeding ministries function within the diocese sparked a period of evaluation for the Hunger Fund Committee. After much discernment, discussion, and consultation with Bishop Mariann, members of committee have come to the hard decision to dissolve this arm of ministry in the diocese.
Although figures from 1976 through 1985 are not available, in the 37 years from 1986 through June of 2022 we are thankful to report that $1,304.848.00 was provided to various programs. During its 46 years of existence, the Hunger Fund Committee of the Diocese worked diligently to help organizations in our diocese that provide direct aid to hungry people, a ministry only possible due to the contributions of churches and individuals of the diocese. Contributions came in many forms, from monetary donations to the gift of people’s time and effort, including the many volunteers who organized hunger walks and other activities at the church, region, and diocesan level; those who served on the committee over the years; and diocesan staff who supported the Committee’s efforts.
As the Hunger Fund winds down operations, we share here a list of some of the programs the Fund has supported over the years. Please consider redirecting your food security support to one of these ministries.
We believe there remains significant need to alleviate hunger in our area. We are grateful that our collective commitment to ending hunger holds strong in these new and continuing expressions of ministry.
Lee Mericle,
Chair, Diocesan Hunger Fund