Llamamiento a la acción por la seguridad alimentaria
As Christians, we understand our call to feed the hungry. As United Methodists, we recognize this call “not simply as a matter of charity, but of responsibility, righteousness, and justice.—-United Methodist Book of Resolutions, 4051
As people of faith, we must raise our voices and defend nutrition programs as an important lifeline for our most vulnerable neighbors. Our elected officials should support policies that strengthen these programs and put us on a path to eliminating hunger in the United States and around the world.-Junta General de Iglesia y Sociedad
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” -Matthew 25:35
With the upcoming potential pause to SNAP benefits on November 1st alongside rising food costs, our faith communities are wondering what our faithful response will be. Loving our neighbors at risk of food insecurity requires both acts of justice and of mercy; We must call for changes in the way our government cares for its constituents, and we must help all who are hungry gain access to food in the here and now. Here are three ways we can respond:
Advocate. Donate. Volunteer.
Advocate
Phone Call Script
Hello, my name is [Name], and I am a member of [Congregation/City], part of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of The United Methodist Church,
I’m calling because we are deeply concerned about the decision to cut SNAP funding in our state. SNAP ensures that children, older adults, and working families have access to basic nutrition — a foundation for health, dignity, and thriving communities.
Our faith teaches us that we share responsibility for the well-being of our neighbors. In the spirit of Matthew 25, we believe no Tennessean should go to bed hungry in a state with so much abundance.
We urge you to fully restore SNAP funding. Feeding our neighbors is not a political divide — it is a shared moral value and a commitment to community flourishing. The church continues to serve through food ministries, yet we cannot replace the essential safety nets that the government provides through our tax dollars. Thank you for your service and for listening today.
Short Letter / Email Template
Dear [Governor/Representative Name],
My name is [Name], and I am a member of [Congregation/City], within the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of The United Methodist Church.
I am writing with concern about the decision to reduce SNAP funding in our state. SNAP ensures that children, seniors, and working families have access to the nutrition they need to live healthy and productive lives.
As United Methodists, we believe our public resources should reflect our shared values. We want our dollars to feed and support our neighbors, especially those most vulnerable — not deepen their struggle. In a state rich in generosity, no family should face hunger.
We respectfully urge you to fully restore SNAP funding. Ensuring access to food is not a partisan issue — it is a fundamental moral concern and a demonstration of our commitment to “the least of these” (Matthew 25).
Faith communities remain deeply committed to serving those in need. Yet we cannot replace the essential safety nets that uphold dignity and promote the common good.
Thank you for your leadership and your attention to this urgent need.
In faith and service,
[Your Name]
[Your Congregation / City]
Conferencia de Tennessee-Western Kentucky de la Iglesia Metodista Unida
Donar
Support local Food Ministries
- Check and see what food needs they have and take up a targeted collection.
- Donate money so they can update their supply as needed.
- -Support TWUMC Food Ministries
- -Regional Food Resources listed below.
Voluntario
Support local Food Ministries and Food Distribution Organizations.
- Identify a nearby TWKUMC food ministry or local organization in your area and inquire about how to get involved.
- Contact a nearby TWKUMC food ministry or local organization and find out what their needs are, and host a food drive.
Regional Food Resources
Western Kentucky
West Tennessee
La esperanza de Hannah-Collecting formula and baby food
Middle Tennessee
Second Harvest-Food Bank Guide, Donation and Volunteer Opportunities
Where to Turn In Nashville-Online Resource Guide for Nashville and surrounding counties
Mount Juliet Help Center (Wilson County)
One Gen Away -Will supply food boxes for anyone who asks, looking for distribution locations
Tennessee Statewide
Statewide 2-1-1 -Statewide help directory
Feed TN -Coming soon, resource guide collaborating with 5 major food banks
New Disabled South-Food Assistance for SNAP recipients who also receive SSI and Medicaid