Whether you donated one can or helped organize a delivery of hundreds of pounds of food, everyone’s contribution made a big difference during Hunger Month at Watermark in June. So much food was donated to the Stuff the Truck Food drive in the third week that the truck couldn’t be moved because it was so heavy! And Stuff the Truck was just one part of the Hunger Month initiative at Watermark. Here are just a few of the highlights.
Stuff the Truck: Total: 25,000 pounds of food
“The goal of Hunger Month was to open our eyes to the needs around our city, nation and globe,” said Jeff Ward, Watermark’s Director of External Focus. “People throughout Watermark participated in unique ways – from taking the Food Stamp Challenge and discovering just how hard it is to feed a family on a food stamp budget, to helping deliver and unload food at North Texas Food Bank, as some Careers in Motion participants did. Hunger Month was also a great reminder of spiritual hunger in our community, and our responsibility to share Christ with others – the only One who can truly meet our needs.” – Jeff Ward, Watermark External Focus Director
“We handed out hundreds of door hangers, announcing the beginning of the Food on the Move program, sponsored by CitySquare. As we walked these large, low income apartment complexes, many cultures were represented: Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Northern African, African American and Anglo American. It was a reminder that poverty affects people of all backgrounds. As a Watermark group, we ranged from 2 years old, to middle age adults. It was great to see families and singles, working together, to share the news that food for children will be provided, FREE, from June to August, Monday through Friday. Now that the good news has been spread that help is on the way, isn’t it time to share the Good News that hope is already here? His name is Jesus and we don’t need door hangers to share that news.” – Emily Barina
“Our family of six ate on $42 ($3.50 per person per day) for two days. It was a very eye opening experience for all of us. We went to the store and shopped together. Had only the basics – baked potatoes one night, beans/rice the next. No snacks other than bananas, and no ice cream. Great insight from our 10-year-old son who said, “having enough food to eat makes me feel safe.” We also shared how people have to choose between food and air conditioning. It really challenged all of us to think about the comforts that we take for granted. Having the hunger pains made everyone cranky, so we used those times to grow in patience and pray for those who are truly hungry daily.” – Paul McCown
“What I learned from the Food Stamp Challenge is that I always have enough food. So far, I have found myself somewhat hungry quicker than usual. I think I typically eat more than what I am eating now. I also typically eat as much as I want and for sure until I am full. It has been such a great reminder when I am hungry to remember and pray for those who are dealing with this on a daily basis… I know I did not do the Food Stamp Challenge to the fullest, but I am really thankful for what it is teaching me. I know for me it is even a luxury to get to choose to do this for seven meals. Most struggling with hunger do not choose it at all.” – Suzanne Sanderson
