St. Patrick's Day

May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us, may the word of God direct us. Be always ours this day and for evermore.

- St. Patrick

Hunger Hurts

"One in nine members of our community is at risk of hunger, and that number is growing. Based on agency reporting, The Greater Boston Food Bank has witnessed a 21% increase in requests for food assistance since 2008."

"Hunger is not a problem facing just those in poverty. A recent study shows that 47% of those at risk for hunger in eastern Massachusetts earn too much to be eligible for government-provided emergency food assistance. Many never dreamed they would need a food pantry or community meal program to feed themselves and their families."

"Why is hunger hurting so many in our community?"

"The answer has less to do with food – there’s plenty of food available – and more to do with economic and political obstacles. With most food in our country moving from west to east, we are at the end of the distribution pipeline, making food more expensive. Our cold winters mean higher heating bills, and housing costs are higher relative to other areas of the country. Ending hunger means addressing those systemic problems, while doing everything possible, every day, to feed hungry people."

- The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB)

Corporal Works of Mercy: Feed the Hungry

"The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise.  They 'are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs' (USCCA).  They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life."

"There are many people in this world who go without food.  When so much of our food goes to waste, consider how good stewardship practices of your own food habits can benefit others who do not have those same resources."

• "Having delicious food at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner? Donate to a Thanksgiving or Christmas food drive so everyone can have something to eat."
• "Research, identify and contribute financially to organizations that serve the hungry."
• "The next time you make a recipe that can be easily frozen, make a double batch and donate one to your local food pantry or soup kitchen." 
• "Try not to purchase more food than you are able to eat. If you notice that you end up throwing groceries away each week, purchasing less groceries would eliminate waste and allow you to donate the savings to those in need."

- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) .

More information on the The Corporal Works of Mercy from the USCCB can be found here.