Snap Benefit Response
As many of you know, as of November 1, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has lost its funding due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This is an opportunity for us to mobilize into action around the words of Jesus.
“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.” Jesus taught that whenever we care for “the least of these,” it’s as if we’re doing it personally for Him (Matthew 25:35-40).
About 500,000 people in Philadelphia receive SNAP benefits. The charitable food network in our city is not built to sustain this type of influx, which means food banks across the city are rapidly expanding their services. They need our help. Here are four ways we’re responding to this opportunity.
1. benevolence
If you or your family personally depend on SNAP and need help, we want to support you as your church family. We have a benevolence fund established to come alongside you in a practical way. You can click the link below to fill out a form and someone from our team will reach out to you to follow up.
2. Turning points food bank
We are partnering with Turning Points, a food bank located in Tilden Middle School in Southwest Philadelphia. They are in need of non-perishable food items such as cereal, breakfast foods, juice boxes, shelf-stable drinks, canned soups, pasta, rice, and beans. You can bring these food items to any of our three services or drop it of at the City Life office Monday - Thursday and we will deliver it to the school.
3. Small things
We are making a financial donation as a church, through your Kingdom Builders giving, to Small Things (one of our Kingdom Builder partners). They have already seen a 50% increase in families registering as shoppers at their food markets across the city. Your financial giving through Kingdom Builders means they can provide more food, open their markets for more hours, and empower more staff to supply and stock more shelves.
4. Southwest dinner service
As a church, we are providing a nutritious, delicious meal every Sunday night through our Southwest dinner service. We have seen an uptick, especially among students, who are attending our Southwest location looking for a good meal. You are welcome to join us! And if you know someone who is in need, please share an invitation to our Southwest dinner service with them as well.
God has called us to be a radically generous church that serves our city with compassion. These are moments when Jesus’ church is at its best! Thank you for being a part of our mission to serve THE ONE.
