Give to the poor in handfuls [of peanut butter] .
- Blessed Edmund Rice, founder of the Irish Christian Brothers
While most of us look forward to a Thanksgiving feast at the end of November, there are many people in our city who don't know from where their next meal will come.
Peanut butter - creamy or perhaps even crunchy - is a staple food that is in high demand as a source of nutrition and sustenance for those who are experiencing food insecurity and poverty.
This November we are partnering with Northwest Harvest to collect as much peanut butter as possible in an effort to meet the basic nutritional needs of those who are suffering in our city.
Why are we doing this?
The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
- Proverbs 22:29
As a Catholic school grounded in character, faith, and service, serving the poor and hungry is our sacred duty. True character flows from compassion for the weakest in our community. If we seek to develop young men of character, we must take into account what we do for the least of those among us. We demonstrate our faith in God by obeying the commandment to feed the hungry. When we serve the poor and hungry, we serve Christ himself. It is that simple.
Some statistics on hunger in our community:
One million Washington residents visited a food bank in the past year.
1 in 10 Washingtonians consistently struggle with hunger.
1 in 6 Washington kids live in a household that faces challenges in putting enough food on the table.
1 in 8 Washingtonians live below the poverty line.
1 in 8 Washingtonians relies on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to purchase food. Half of all people on SNAP are kids.
The majority of working-age Washingtonians living in poverty are working or actively looking for work. Many work more than one job.
Washington State ranks 10th in the country in overall wealth—and ranks 34th in food insecurity.
When: November 2 - 24
On Monday, November 1, student leaders will come to every MG to explain the project and provide large collection boxes. As your boxes fill, Campus Ministry will provide additional boxes.
What: Peanut butter of all types and brands
All donations should be sealed and packaged appropriately, and all brands and types of peanut butter from Jif to local, organic, craft, artisan peanut butter are welcome!
Almond butter, seed butter, nut butter, Nutella, and other types of "butter" are accepted, but good, old fashioned peanut butter is preferred.
Competition and Prizes
The winning mentor group will be announced at our Thanksgiving Prayer Service in the gymnasium on November 24.
The winning mentor group will receive an all-expenses paid pizza party at Zeek's Pizza for your entire mentor group.
Questions?
Contact Mr. Odem or Mr. Leighton in the Campus Ministry Office on the third floor, or email jodem@odea.org