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.

Donations of New Clothing

The pantry is in need of and would very much appreciate donations of new clothing for distribution each week. Currently our specific needs are hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, socks, and men's underwear. Thank you. And remember we can use only new clothing.

Welcome Back Robert

Pantry volunteers and pantry patrons were very happy to see Robert this week after his long absence and to learn that his cancer surgery and treatment had gone well. Robert credited his strong faith with being essential for dealing with his situation. Welcome back Robert!

Ordinary Tasks. Vital Help.

Week after week volunteers in the food pantry at St. Anthony's are busy unloading trucks; sorting cans, boxes and produce; preparing meals; distributing food; checking in pantry patrons; breaking down boxes for recycling; washing dishes and more. Every one of our helpers shares enthusiastically in the many simple, ordinary tasks that are vital to easing hunger in our New Bedford neighborhood. Our volunteers. Good people. True that.

Toda comunidad cristiana ...

Toda comunidad cristiana debe ser un oasis de caridad y afecto en el desierto de la soledad y la indiferencia. — Papa Francisco

Considering the rights of the hungry ...

“Considering the rights of the hungry and accepting their aspirations means first of all expressing solidarity in practical actions, which require sharing and not only better management of social and financial risks or immediate help in the event of catastrophes and environmental crises.” — Pope Francis

Do your food habits show you are aware of a relationship with those who are hungry around the world? What steps can you take to enhance sharing what you have so that everyone has enough to eat each day?