Last year, Hancock launched its Feeding 5000 campaign to focus on the issue of hunger.  Jesus’ followers had doubts about how they could feed the crowd of 5000 with five loaves of bread and two fish but the miracle happened and became a seminal learning experience for all.  We called our multi-year mission “Feeding 5000” for both its spiritual significance as well as its literal meaning.  Could our church community feed 5000 and in the process become more aware of our neighbors’ needs?

The theme for Year 1 was that we as individuals and as a church community can make a difference, today.  We planned intergenerational activities, book groups, fun get-togethers, and an international mission trip.  Importantly, one objective of our initiative was to offer concrete ways to have an impact in our local, regional and global communities.  We learned from, and build on the efforts of those who before us had established and nurtured long-standing relationships with Rosie’s, the Lexington Food Pantry and Heifer Int’l. So we added a food box collection and donation program as well as embarked on a new partnership with Sustainable Harvest International.  Not only did we send 10 Hancock members on mission trip working with them, but we also committed to fund SHI’s work in the Honduran communities of Piedras Negras and Santa Ana for a year.

So what did we learn from this part of Hancock’s Feeding 5000 campaign where we offered opportunities for hands-on participation in making a difference about hunger?

1. We met our goal of feeding 5000…. 6+ times over!  We estimate that Hancock contributions led to over 32,000 people obtaining sustenance for a day versus our goal of 5000 people.

Adding the Feeding 5000 Food Boxes almost doubled the footprint of Hancock’s hunger relief effort with Rosie’s and the Lexington Food Pantry, and we are confident that happened without cannibalizing contributions to both of these very worthy organizations.

2. We met our goal of having impact locally, regionally and globally.  We wanted to direct 1/3 to each, but as you will see we had most success globally because resources were able to be deployed economically and they left a huge footprint.

3. Our efforts were split between direct hunger relief (Rosie’s, Lexington Food Pantry and the food boxes) and help of a more sustainable nature via our support of Sustainable Harvest’s work in two Honduran villages for a year.  The funding providing tools, training and seeds for these communities to initiate sustainable agricultural methods.  Gardens were planted, fish ponds created and chicken broods started, all of which brings greater food security to these families.

4. It is more costly to pay for “direct feeding” programs since we pay for all the inputs (labor, manufacturing, packaging and transportation) as part of the food costs. And those costs will be higher in the US than in developing countries. You can see this reflected in the estimated costs per meal: $.05 per meal via SHI, compared to $1.60 to $2 delivered directly.

We are now moving on to Year 2 of Feeding 5000. Building on the lessons learned in Year One, the message this year is one of “Sustainability and Community”. Finding sustainable ways to deal with hunger can leverage our resources and have a greater, long lasting impact. There will be education opportunities, more hands-on “doings” as well as events intended to be fun and get folks together. For instance, Feeding 5000 is introducing an after-church speaker series, “Prime Time” with speakers scheduled throughout the next year. Kevin Johnson of Sustainable Harvest, kicks off the first on 9/27th at the Year 2 launch linger lunch. The second “Prime Time” will be 11/8th with a representative from Heifer Int’l speaking. And please take note of the first fun event scheduled, which will be the Oct 3rd’s Harvest Moon Dinner and Dancing, where we celebrate the tradition of celebrating the fall harvest. Bring a dish, using seasonal foods, for others to sample and wear your dancing shoes. Thank you for all your past contributions. We invite you to participate with us again in Year 2.