There are many ways to help our neighbors who have lost SNAP benefits due to the Federal Government shutdown.
1. Donate items. Bring one of the following items to church on or before November 23rd. You can drop them off in front of Pastor Wesley's office. We will give these items to our most immediate neighbors, including West End Middle School. Any other items left over will be given to Second Harvest Food Bank. Consistently, the most needed items are:
Peanut Butter
Canned Meat (Chicken or Tuna)
Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruit
Pasta
Cereal
(We may get some specific needs from West End, and will share those when we receive them.)
2. Donate Funds. If you can't bring items, donating funds to the food bank is a great way to help. Help Middle and West Tennessee Neighbors in Need - Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
3. Contact. Call, email, or write your representatives, urging them to do what they can to help protect Tennesseans! (click for the contact sheet and script) Many think that these things "don't work," but in just the last few days, Gov. Lee has begun allocating funds towards SNAP due to public pressure. It works, I'm telling you!
4. Pray. Pray that those with power will use it to help the least of these. We all have a responsibility to our neighbors, and Christ has called us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and free the oppressed.
However you decide to help is appreciated and helps us live into our mission to "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God."