By: Vickie Denning, Communication

Terry lived on a monthly Social Security Disability Insurance benefit. He paid his rent and took the bus to go shopping immediately after he received his monthly deposit. The food he bought needed to last the entire month. It usually didn’t.

Food insecurity. Have you faced it? To open cupboards and see bare shelves? To open a refrigerator and see one or two items? To be hungry? To have hungry children? These are the reasons the TVLC Food Ministry has existed for over 30 years. Terry is just one of the faces.

Like our ministry partners Interfaith Community Services (ICS) and Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW), our TVLC Food Ministry has expanded its outreach during the coronavirus pandemic. Your donations serve individual families who are referred to us, supply the ICS Food Pantry, and support the refugee families sponsored by our Refugee Team through LSS-SW. And now, the food you donate supports the UA Campus Pantry!

Our new ministry partner serves a large population of on-campus students and staff members. Why? Because on average, 1 in 3 college students experience food insecurity at some point in their academic career. And, staff members — especially food service and custodial workers — are experiencing greater need due to significantly reduced or cancelled work hours. These urgent needs will continue throughout the summer months.

Our Food Ministry could not operate without the network it has established for referrals of those in need. It could not operate without our ministry partners who expand our outreach. And, it could not operate without the generous support from all who donate. And for that, the food ministry team expresses their deep gratitude.

Thank you. Your gifts fight hunger in our community. You have given hope and sustenance to thousands over the years — including Terry.

Donations of nonperishables or monetary gifts are welcome.