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The Human Side of Hunger
Breaking Poverty's Hold In California
In 1996, Troy and Stacy Morris' New Beginnings food and church ministry began on their southern California back porch. Just six years later, New Beginnings reaches out to the people living in surrounding medium to low income neighborhoods as well as into parts of New Mexico and Arizona. The program is managed from almost 40,000 square feet of space in a mostly vacant Bakersfield shopping center!
Over 1,000 children and their families within a 60-mile radius receive groceries each month through this OBI Hunger Strike Force (HSF) partnering ministry and its network of 40 organizations. For instance, children like New Beginnings' Stacy Morris' own 4-year-old cousin Nick and Natalie have received assistance. Trapped in a cycle of welfare, joblessness, abusing alcohol and suffering from abandonment has eaten away three generations of Stacy's relatives. "It's humbling to be put in a position to be able to help your own family," says Stacy remembering giving bags of needed groceries to Natalie at a recent event in Fairfax.
The need is real. The people are hungry. It was recently reported 1 in 4 people standing in a soup kitchen line is a child. A September 1999 US Department of Agriculture report states "31 million Americans are food insecure, meaning they are either hungry or unsure of where their next meal will come from." New Beginnings' Troy shares, "There is a never ending flow of hungry people [in California]- children to seniors."
Troy and Stacy can't reach out to the hungry by themselves. It takes people like you and I giving a few hours of time and resources. Dedicated volunteers drive the forklift when a load comes in, help pack the bags and make deliveries in surrounding areas.
Individuals from ten churches helped hand food bags out to guests during February 16th's distribution and one local farm donated fresh produce in addition to the HSF load of bread, onions, potatoes, yogurt, canned goods and candy. Every adult also received a bag of hair care and hygiene products that they are not permitted to buy with food stamps. Happy children had their faces painted and balloons were tied to their wrists. Free hotdogs, snacks and soda added to the already festive atmosphere. "We've learned through HSF how to extend our arm of compassion," shared Troy, the former oil field worker turned pastor. "It would be very difficult without their help."
"What a blessing it has been for us here at New Beginnings to be hooked up with HSF who not only talk it but walk it," Troy continued. "We love and thank you for all your help in feeding thousands of those living on the west coast."
Take the challenge & fight against hunger!
HSF is taking part in the Feinstein Foundation's annual $1 million challenge during March and April 2002.
During this time, your generous contribution stretches further in helping to provide life necessities to disaster victims, fill a child's growling stomach, and let many struggling people know someone cares!
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