Adventists Continue Serving Those with Food Insecurity

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Seventh-day Adventist churches and Adventist Community Services (ACS) centers in the Columbia Union Conference (such as Chesapeake Conference's Baltimore-White Marsh church in Rosedale, Md., that was featured in a recent WJZ-TV story) are ongoing in their mission to distribute food in their communities. This service is becoming increasingly important as some brace for disruptions in SNAP benefits as the current government shutdown continues.  

Robert Smith, director of Adventist Community Services for the Allegheny East Conference, says that the 32 pantries in the conference have seen an increase in the number of people needing food since the summer, preceding the shutdown. Similarly, his colleagues in other areas that cover large cities have seen the same demand, even among people in every economic station in life. 

Smith adds that this recent increase in visitors indicates a growing need within the community. "We talk to people, have prayer with people. … The economy has changed, and a lot of them are suffering because of it." 

Smith says that church members can support the cause by donating to a local ACS center through adventistgiving.org. These centers receive discounts when purchasing food in bulk, so the money goes further. He also encourages people to consider volunteering at a local ACS center or food bank. 

Throughout November and December, the Visitor staff will continue to share how local Adventist churches are making an impact in their communities.