September is Hunger Action Month: Join the Fight Against Hunger

September is Hunger Action Month, a time to rally together to fight food insecurity. One in eight Arizonans struggles with hunger—even though our state produces 12% of the nation’s fruits and vegetables. In 2024, food bank visits rose to 650,000 each month. This September, you can act by supporting food banks, joining peer fundraisers, downloading the “Hungry Friend” app, or simply wearing orange on September 5 to raise awareness. Every action matters in working toward a hunger-free Arizona. Click here to learn more and find the full Hunger Action Month calendar.

2025 ELCA Hunger Education Grants Now Open: Apply by Sept. 15

The 2025 cycle for ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants is now open, with applications accepted from August 4 through September 15. These grants—typically between $500 and $1,000—support educational and networking projects that help ELCA congregations, synods, and partners deepen understanding and engagement around the root causes of hunger and poverty. Projects can include workshops, climate justice education, youth service learning, or synod-wide awareness events.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations or work with a fiscal agent like a synod office. To apply, pre-register at ELCA GrantMaker (approval may take up to 10 business days). Click here for full grant details and application links.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 25, 2025Grants, Hunger, ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger GrantsComment

Manna Grant Now Open: Apply by July 31 to Fund Anti-Hunger Ministries

Now accepting applications: The 2025 Manna Grant offers up to $20,000 in total funding to Grand Canyon Synod ministries that address hunger and its root causes. Projects must demonstrate a commitment to inclusive leadership. Apply by July 31. Made possible through a legacy gift from Orpha Hoganson of Ascension Lutheran, this grant continues her mission to combat hunger with love and equity.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 21, 2025Grants, Manna Grant, HungerComment

Feeding Neighbors, Fighting Waste: C.A.M.P. Partners with Sun City Lutherans

Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in Sun City partners with Community Action Market & Produce (C.A.M.P.) to bring fresh, rescued produce to neighbors across the Northwest Phoenix Valley. This nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers, distributes nutritious food through its Saturday Shop & Select markets, prepacked produce boxes, and delivery programs for the elderly and disabled—all with no income qualifications required. To learn more about this inspiring ministry or how you can support it, click here.

Rev. Christine Stoxen: Hunger Is Closer Than You Think

Rev. Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler urges us to act on behalf of hungry neighbors across Arizona in the context of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act. With food insecurity rising—especially among children, seniors, and rural residents—Stoxen calls on Christians to advocate for SNAP benefits and support local food pantries. Faith without action is dead, she reminds us. Click here to read her full op-ed published in The Chandler Arizonan.

Grand Canyon Synod, LettersBrian FlatgardJuly 10, 2025Hunger, Fiesta Conference, Holy Trinity Chandler, In the NewsComment

Bishop Eaton: Budget Bill Harms the Most Vulnerable

In response to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton issues a call to faithful action. The sweeping legislation threatens healthcare access, food assistance, immigrant families, and climate protections—policies that stand in opposition to Lutheran commitments to care for the vulnerable and support the common good. Bishop Eaton invites us to pray, partner, and act together as church to stand with our neighbors in need. Click here to read the full statement and watch the accompanying video on YouTube.

Manna Grant Now Open: Apply by July 31 to Fund Anti-Hunger Ministries

Now accepting applications: The 2025 Manna Grant offers up to $20,000 in total funding to Grand Canyon Synod ministries that address hunger and its root causes. Projects must demonstrate a commitment to inclusive leadership. Apply by July 31. Made possible through a legacy gift from Orpha Hoganson of Ascension Lutheran, this grant continues her mission to combat hunger with love and equity.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 7, 2025Grants, Manna Grant, HungerComment

School Meals and Hunger Relief Funded—Thanks to Your Advocacy!

Thanks to your advocacy, Arizona’s new budget includes $3.8 million for reduced-price school meals and $2 million for Double Up Food Bucks—key programs to fight food insecurity. These one-time wins came after strong bipartisan support and faithful engagement by hunger advocates like you. Learn more and celebrate the good news—click here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 3, 2025Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, HungerComment

Apply Now: 2026 ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant Applications Open Through July 7

Letters of inquiry are now open through July 7 for ELCA World Hunger’s 2026 Domestic Hunger Grants. These grants support ministries and organizations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico working toward a just world where all are fed. Learn more about eligibility, grant priorities, and how to apply.

ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJuly 3, 2025Hunger, dp, ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants, GrantsComment

Seeds of Hope: How Ibu Dewi’s Organic Farm Changed a Village

What began as a small farm has blossomed into a powerful story of transformation. In a quiet village in Indonesia, Ibu Dewi joined an organic farming program supported by the Lutheran World Federation and grew not only her crops—but also her confidence and community. Now a teacher and leader, she’s helping others thrive with the same sustainable techniques that changed her life. Click here to read the full story from ELCA World Hunger.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 1, 2025Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment

Apply Now: Join the Grand Canyon Synod Delegation at the 2025 ELCA Hunger Gathering

Registration is now open for the 2025 ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering, taking place September 18–21 in Columbus, Ohio. Centered on Micah 6:8, the gathering will unite leaders to collaborate on ending hunger and its root causes. Thanks to a sponsorship from the Northeast Valley Consortium, the Grand Canyon Synod will fully sponsor three participants. If you’re interested in attending as a representative, do not register online—instead, contact Solveig at director@lamaz.org to be considered.

This is a key opportunity to reflect, connect, and act in our shared ministry for a world without hunger. Click here for full event details.

Arizona Advocates Head to Capitol Hill to Fight Hunger

LAMA Director Solveig Muus joined faith leaders from Arizona in Washington, D.C. for Bread for the World’s 50th Anniversary Advocacy Summit, urging legislators to support SNAP, WIC, and global nutrition programs. The Arizona delegation met with representatives across the political spectrum, combining public witness with prayer, partnership, and policy engagement. Click here to read the full story and reflections from Solveig’s five days in D.C.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 19, 2025Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, HungerComment

Assembly 2025 video: Outreach Food Pantry Program at Christ Evangelical in Goodyear

Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Goodyear, AZ shares a video for their Outreach Food Pantry program. The CELC Outreach food pantry has been in existence since 2003 and continues to grow and serve the Goodyear (and surrounding) communities. We are a formal partner agency of St. Mary's Food Bank that provides food to over 65 households weekly.

Region 3 Hunger Retreat Sparks New Collaboration in Worship, Advocacy, and Education

Over 20 ELCA leaders from Region 3 gathered March 7–8 at Camp Onomia to discern how God is calling us to end hunger together. Guided by worship, Bible study, and community, the retreat resulted in five shared focus areas: worship, giving, local networking, leader connection, and education. The retreat, supported by an ELCA World Hunger grant, offered hope and renewed purpose in a time of challenge. Click here for more to read Rev. Sarah Stadler’s full reflection on the gathering.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 26, 2025Hunger, Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, ELCA World HungerComment

Could You Eat on $6 a Day? Take the SNAP Challenge and Raise Awareness

Millions of Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on the table, yet the average benefit of just $6 per day is often not enough to maintain a healthy diet. The SNAP Challenge, happening March 18–20, invites participants to experience firsthand the difficult choices faced by those living on limited food budgets. This challenge raises awareness about hunger, highlights the need for increased SNAP benefits, and encourages congressional action. Learn how you and your congregation can get involved—click here.

Global Hunger & U.S. Policy: A Conversation with Rick Steves & Rev. Eugene Cho

Hunger affects 10% of the world, and as people of faith, we are called to respond. On Monday, March 3, at 7:00 p.m. MT, Bread for the World President Rev. Eugene Cho joins travel writer and advocate Rick Steves for an online discussion about global hunger, the impact of U.S. foreign aid, and how we can advocate for change. Register now for this free event and learn how you can make a difference. Register here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 26, 2025Church and Society, Hunger, Bread for the World, Rick Steves, Eugene ChoComment

Hands and Feet of Christ: Meal Packing Event in Fountain Hills

Join us February 26, 2025, at the Fountain Hills Community Center for a family-friendly food packing event hosted by New Journey Lutheran. From 5:30–7:30 PM, volunteers will pack thousands of meals for those in need locally and globally. Registration is required—sign up today at njlc-fh.org/food-4-kidz. View a PDF flyer here. Be the church in action!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 17, 2025Hunger, Northeast Valley Conference, New Journey Fountain HillsComment

Hands and Feet of Christ: Meal Packing Event in Fountain Hills

Join us February 26, 2025, at the Fountain Hills Community Center for a family-friendly food packing event hosted by New Journey Lutheran. From 5:30–7:30 PM, volunteers will pack thousands of meals for those in need locally and globally. Registration is required—sign up today at njlc-fh.org/food-4-kidz. View a PDF flyer here. Be the church in action!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2025Hunger, Northeast Valley Conference, New Journey Fountain HillsComment

ELCA World Hunger: New Lenten Resources, Leadership Gathering, and More

ELCA bishops gathered in Puerto Rico to discuss hunger, advocacy, and disaster response, engaging with local leaders and exploring the island’s rich history. New ELCA World Hunger Lenten resources are available, and the 2025 ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering is set for Sept. 18-21 in Columbus, Ohio. AMMPARO continues to accompany migrants amid shifting policies, while Lutheran Disaster Response offers free winter-spring trainings. Read about these initiatives and more in the latest Go and Do News newsletter. Read more here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 7, 2025ELCA World Hunger, HungerComment

Journey Through Lent: ELCA World Hunger Resources Now Available

Prepare your congregation for Lent with free resources from ELCA World Hunger! From an action guide to a Lent devotional calendar and a five-session study, these tools will inspire reflection and action as we journey together to end hunger. Download or order resources today at ELCA.org/hunger/resources and learn how your congregation can make a difference this season.

ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 3, 20252025 Lent, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment

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