One Body: Nourishing NC
One Body: Nourishing North Carolina
A mission initiative during the United Methodist General Conference
In April, United Methodists from around the world will be in Charlotte, North Carolina, for General Conference.
We encourage you to make plans to nourish your neighbors during the two weeks of the General Conference (April 23-May 2) as a part of our mission initiative, One Body: Nourishing North Carolina.
As the world’s eyes are focused on disaffiliation and schism, One Body: Nourishing North Carolina will combat food insecurity in North Carolina, providing an alternative narrative of hope and healing. This initiative will positively impact our communities, highlight ongoing and new ministries, and be an outward representation of our continued commitment to the United Methodist connection.
What is Food Insecurity? When people don’t have enough to eat and don’t know where their next meal will come from.
Food insecurity is associated with numerous adverse social and health outcomes and is increasingly considered a critical public health issue.
Food Insecurity in North Carolina
- 10.9% of North Carolinians face food insecurity, about 1.2 million people.
- 17% of NC children are food insecure, about 394,000. That is 1 in 6 children in NC.
- 14% of NC Food and Nutrition Services, FNS also known as SNAP, are age 60+
-from North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services State Action Plan for Food Security
There are numerous ways you or your congregation can participate in this mission initiative during the General Conference in Charlotte from April 23-May 3:
- Host a community meal.
- Start a dinner church.
- Explore the needs of the schools or universities in your community to address food insecurity issues.
- Partner with organizations in your area prioritizing healthy and fresh food distribution to food-insecure neighbors.
- Start a food pantry or build a mini-pantry at your church-prioritize recipient choice for items they select.
- Start a community garden to help supply a food pantry with fresh, locally-sourced options
- Participate in or organize a food drive.
- Contribute financially to organizations addressing food insecurity in your community.
As you make plans to nourish your neighbors during these two weeks, we want to hear how you will impact your community! By completing this form, you allow us to hear your stories and share the good news of how United Methodists are providing both physical nourishment and the gospel of the Bread of Life with their neighbors and communities.
Looking for inspiration? Check out these stories of feeding ministries from across the Western NC Conference!
Word on the Street - A Fresh Expression in Charlotte
Central UMC - Delivering food to their neighbors
Sparta UMC - Grace Kitchen community meal
For more information:
Western North Carolina, Brian Mateer, director of missional engagement, bmateer@wnccumc.org
North Carolina Conference, Jaye White, director of outreach ministry, jayewhite@nccumc.org