In this week’s ELCA Advocacy devotional, Zachary Olson reflects on Lutherans who gathered in Washington, D.C., during a federal shutdown to advocate for disaster response reform — embodying Jesus’ call to be “salt and light.” Grounded in Matthew 5, this reflection invites us across the Grand Canyon Synod to consider how our faith shapes our public witness, compassion, and advocacy today.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Yehiel Curry will join the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network for their next monthly call on Tuesday, February 24, from 6:00–7:00 pm (AZ time). The virtual gathering will include a short devotion, an update from Bishop Curry, a local hunger ministry spotlight, and shared resources and grant updates from across the synod.
If you’ve been meaning to connect with others working to address hunger and food insecurity, this is a great time to jump in. No registration is required—just bring your curiosity and commitment. Read more on the LAMA web site, and click this link to join the Zoom call.
Read MoreFrom now through February 8, two ELCA synods — Team Northwest Washington and Team New England — are going head-to-head in a friendly fundraising challenge to support ELCA World Hunger. The team that raises the most by midnight Central time on February 8 will be crowned ELCA World Hunger Champion, no matter the outcome on the field.
Every gift helps address hunger’s root causes and puts faith into action. Choose a team, give what you can, and help make sure hunger loses — every time.
Read MoreIn the Mentawai Islands of Indonesia, a simple yet powerful initiative is changing lives. Through a forest bee farming program supported by Lutheran partners, Pak Esli—a fisherman and father of two—has gained new skills, sustainable income, and hope for his family and community. What began as unfamiliar work has become a source of economic stability, environmental care, and shared opportunity for an entire village.
This story from ELCA World Hunger highlights how faith-rooted global partnerships support livelihoods that honor both people and creation. Read more at ELCA.org to explore how forest beekeeping is helping communities thrive while caring for the land God has entrusted to them.
Read MoreMount of Olives Lutheran Church kicks off the new year with Jazz Vespers on Sunday, January 11. at 5:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman with Todd Herzog and a reception to follow. After raising over $10,000 in 2025 and supplying more than 8,000 family units with food, the Music for Food ministry continues to unite worship, music, and service to neighbors in need.
Read MoreThis Advent, ELCA World Hunger invites you to “light your own stable lamp” with free 2025 Advent resources, including a study guide, calendar, and congregational action guide. Centered on the theme A Stable Lamp Is Lighted, these materials encourage reflection, generosity, and hospitality while exploring justice and hope through the church’s work to end hunger and poverty. Download or order resources for your household or congregation at ELCA.org/our-work/relief-and-development/elca-world-hunger/wh-advent.
Read MoreMountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to support families in Globe and Miami recovering from September’s floods through a Thanksgiving Food Drive, November 1–10. Donations of traditional Thanksgiving items—or financial gifts for turkeys and other foods—will benefit the Gila Community Food Bank in Globe. A special drive-up drop-off event will be held Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. Together, we are blessed to be a blessing.
Read MoreThis Advent, ELCA World Hunger invites you to “light your own stable lamp” with free 2025 Advent resources, including a study guide, calendar, and congregational action guide. Centered on the theme A Stable Lamp Is Lighted, these materials encourage reflection, generosity, and hospitality while exploring justice and hope through the church’s work to end hunger and poverty. Download or order resources for your household or congregation at ELCA.org/our-work/relief-and-development/elca-world-hunger/wh-advent.
Read MoreFood insecurity affects nearly one in four college students nationwide. In response, campus ministries across the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU) operate pantries offering food, essentials, and compassionate support. These ministries reflect Christ’s call to feed the hungry and ensure all can flourish. Read the full article on Living Lutheran: That all may flourish — NECU pantries address food insecurity.
Read MoreFederal shutdown delays have stalled this year’s refugee admissions, and SNAP food assistance has been halted for both refugees and all current recipients statewide. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest continues serving resettled families and invites you to advocate with legislators for restored SNAP funding and refugee protection. The ELCA has provided an easy tool to contact Congress—learn more and take action.
Read MoreRepresentatives from the Grand Canyon Synod joined hunger leaders from across the church at the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering in Columbus, OH, September 18–21. The event featured worship, experiential learning, and equipping sessions focused on building partnerships, engaging future generations, and connecting hunger ministry with issues such as climate justice, housing, and equity. Synod participants included Kristine Bartanen, Adrienne Kaye, Rev. Greg Mannel, Melanie Hobden, Solveig Muus, and Vicar Wanda Frenchman. Read the full recap on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) site.
Read More“Intersections: Justice Ministry with ELCA Partners” is a short documentary presented by ELCA World Hunger. Intersections explores stories from three ELCA companion ministries in Cambodia, Mexico and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, responding to the overlapping root causes of hunger in the United States and around the world. Download the video here or view on YouTube.
Go behind the scenes of Intersections: Justice Ministry with ELCA Partners, the new short documentary from ELCA World Hunger releasing September 22. In this interview, editing producer Mikayla Irle reflects on the creative process of shaping global stories of hunger, justice, and partnership into one cohesive narrative. Learn how she worked with the ELCA team to bring a global vision to life. Read the full interview on ELCA.org »
Read MoreThis 4-part video course from ELCA World Hunger introduces the role of a “Hunger Leader”—a person who builds bridges between need and abundance in our communities. Open to everyone, this module offers inspiration and practical steps to step deeper into anti-poverty ministry rooted in Jesus’ call to love and serve. Click here to take the course.
Read MoreAn Ohio congregation has transformed a farmland bequest into an ongoing ministry that feeds both local and global communities. Since 2001, St. Mark Lutheran in Van Wert has dedicated all proceeds from its 100 acres to hunger ministries, raising tens of thousands each year to support food banks, shelters, ELCA World Hunger, and more. Rooted in the stewardship of Lutheran farmers, this model continues to multiply gifts for those in need. Click here to read the full story at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreSeptember is Hunger Action Month—a time to raise awareness and take meaningful action as food insecurity continues to rise across Arizona. Over 650,000 Arizonans rely on food banks monthly, while our state remains a leading producer of fruits and vegetables. This contradiction calls for advocacy and generosity. Learn five simple ways to take part: wear orange on Friday, Sept. 5, support AzFBN’s work, explore donation opportunities, and share the Arizona Hunger Action Month calendar. Click here to read the full article from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona.
Read MoreSeptember 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreNow 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.
Read MoreShepherd 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.
Read More
