As the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history dragged on from October 1 into November — and federal food assistance programs slowly ran out of money — news reports about hunger in America grew more urgent. And, as usual, Black America, which disproportionately depends on government-funded, anti-hunger programs, was hit hardest.
But for the past 40 days, while the government was closed and Democratic and Republican lawmakers were locked in stalemate, destitute individuals and working families struggling to put food on the table could seek help from a community mainstay: the Black church.
From Houston to Chicago and New York City to Atlanta, Black clergy and houses of worship used their connections, resources, and congregations to help feed hungry people. Some churches served up hot meals to anyone with an empty stomach, while others handed out food baskets and grocery store gift cards.
Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, a clergy member, political strategist, and founder of the nonprofit Skinner Leadership Institute, says Black churches have been doing for generations. The problem, she says, is that politicians in Washington allow people to suffer in a nation of plenty and willingly use it as a political tool.
“Turning away from the suffering of others is not only poor leadership — it is a moral failure,” she said, referring to the most extended government shutdown in history that allowed SNAP benefits to lapse for weeks. Using “hunger and hardship” as leverage, she says, “violates the divine command to ‘Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God,’” and ignores His commandment to love one’s neighbor as oneself.
Although the Senate voted on November 9 to begin reopening the government, it could take days or even weeks for the bureaucratic machinery to deliver relief to furloughed workers or those denied Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. So for the time being, churches around the country continue to fill in the gaps, alleviating suffering during this man-made crisis.
In Chicago, for example, Salem Baptist Church has fed 3,000 families in recent weeks. William Hall, a city alderman, was grateful for the aid to his constituents and for the message it sends to people who are typically overlooked.
“I’m just glad it sent a signal that you haven’t been forgotten about,” Hall said.
Across town, Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago has issued a call for donations of 2,500 cans of corn and green beans, along with stuffing and corn muffin mix, packs of gravy mix, and 1,250 two-pound containers of sugar, to replenish their pantry for the holidays. It also urges parishioners to adopt a family for Thanksgiving dinner.
In Memphis, Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart, senior pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church, followed suit, overseeing the distribution of hot meals to go on Nov. 6 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Elizabeth Baptist Church in Atlanta, meanwhile, hosted Operation Uplift, giving out a week’s worth of food to families in seemingly endless drive-through lines in four locations. Partnering with World Vision, a humanitarian organization, the church aimed to serve about 5,000 people — roughly five times as many as usual.
In Houston, meanwhile, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church has set an ambitious goal for its food pantry: collect 30,000 cans over the next few weeks. And in New York, the Episcopal Diocese called for cash donations to buy $100 gift cards, provide emergency food assistance, or support other local programs helping people in need.
Bishop Matthew Heyd told the Episcopal News Service that food ministries across the New York diocese reported a growing number of people seeking assistance this past weekend. He wants to ensure funding is available for congregations to buy food for the needy.
“People trust when they come into a church, the church can help,” he said.
Heyd is also encouraging people to tell their members of Congress that food shouldn’t ever be used as a bargaining chip between the two parties. He noted that this is the first time food aid distribution has been disrupted during a government shutdown.
Williams-Skinner, the strategist, says that while churches, humanitarian organizations, and corporations are stepping up to feed the hungry, “charity cannot replace responsibility.”
“Government exists to protect and serve, not to neglect,” she says.
Although the government is expected to reopen in a matter of days, low-income individuals and households may still need extra assistance, particularly with Thanksgiving just weeks away. The Skinner Leadership Institute’s website, SkinnerLeaders.org, has information on free food, financial, and other vital resources for furloughed federal employees. Information on other resources is listed below.
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Minnie’s Food Pantry in Plano, Texas, posted on Facebook that they’ve been serving 400 to 500 families each day. They solicited volunteers and vendors to help fill the gaps — “or should we say, fill the freezer.” They are one of the few food pantries that serve regardless of zip code.
Last Sunday, “We still have 40 minutes of service left this morning and have already provided meals for over 1,044 people. The need is great, but y’all are greater!”
World Central Kitchen (WCK), the anti-hunger project of celebrity chef Jose Andres, is known for serving hot meals in disaster areas and war zones. Since October, however, WCK has been feeding furloughed workers and families affected by the government shutdown.
In 2019, during the last shutdown, WCK launched #ChefsForFeds, providing more than 100,000 meals.
Thanksgiving Baskets
Southern Baptist Church in Baltimore is giving away Thanksgiving dinner kits with all the trimmings. They will be distributed at the church at 3459 Park Heights Avenue. Call the church to register; tickets can be picked up Saturdays at 9 a.m. and Tuesdays from 9 a.m., and redeemed at Harvest of Hope. 3701 4th Street. Baltimore, Maryland 21225.
Thanksgiving Day, November 27
Washington, D.C.
Furloughed workers, SNAP recipients, seniors, and families are invited for Thanksgiving Day dinner at Denny’s, 4445 Benning Road NE, Washington, DC. 20019. Sponsored by Dr. O. Jermaine Bego, The Point DMV, and community partners. Register or donate at thedennystakeover.com.
New York City
Thanksgiving meals are being hosted by Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at House of Justice, 106 W. 146th Street. Doors open at 10 a.m. To volunteer or donate, call 877-626-4651.
