One in three (1/3) people in the LGBT community will go to bed hungry tonight.  That is just one statistic that I shared with everyone last month.  There is a deep, abiding need that strikes into the LGBT communities in this area every month.

Yet, the need is most profound during the holiday season, particularly November and December.  These holidays (and holy days) of light are often the darkest days for many in our community.  If you are struggling to eat, most often there are other traumatic needs that need to be addressed.    

At Covenant Cupboard (a ministry of Covenant of the Cross), between January and the end of August, we have already distributed as much food as we did all of last year, and the greatest need will come in the next 4 months.  In fact, during these last few months the need can double.

The only real question anyone is ever asked at Covenant Cupboard is, “Are you hungry, and how many people do you need to feed?”  That is all the information we need to feed folks. Sometimes we know that they need other things and ask questions to get them to the correct resources to provide for those needs as well.

Covenant Cupboard has become a community resource, as its primary goal is to help the larger community.  This goal became reality when people began to realize that they did not have to hide who they were, who they loved, or what was happening in their lives when they came seeking food.  Sadly, that is not the case in many different places where people go looking for help.

The reality is that too often people begin to feel the tug of mercy way too late to make a huge impact, but this year you, and all of us, have an opportunity to make a huge impact in just a couple of quick months.

We need YOUR help in addressing this need.  Much has been done already, with 30,000 pounds of food coming in during September and October, but we need to be prepared for the most critical months of the year. 

The needs for this season are: spaghetti sauce, spaghetti, canned pastas, cereal, oatmeal, dried beans, canned fish, canned meats, canned soups, canned vegetables and fruits, boxed hamburger helper, complete boxed meals, macaroni and cheese, boxed instant potatoes, small bagged rice, peanut butter, jelly / jam, corn bread mix, ramen noodles, boxed pasta sides, other canned and boxed foods, hygiene products, and frozen meats.

Each food box provides meals for a month for an adult.  We will help each person until they no longer have a need.  I pray that you rise to this occasion, because without your help someone will struggle with hunger this holiday season.  Please contact Pastor Greg at pastorgreg@covenantofthecross.com or 615-612-5040 for more information or to help.