“Give them something to eat.” (Mk 6:37)

STEWARDS OF OUR EARTH

All of God’s Creation

Social Justice Committee, Holy Cross Parish, Mt. Airy, October 26, 2025

World Food Day is observed globally every year on October 16, marking the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945. The day raises awareness about global hunger, food insecurity, and sustainable food systems. It alerts us that hunger is an everyday challenge for many people in our local communities and across the globe.

“We are encouraged to live out Christ’s call to feed the hungry and care for our neighbors. With 673 million people worldwide still suffering from hunger, we are reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:35, For I was hungry and you gave me food.” (Catholic Relief Services, 10/16/25) 

Pope Leo addressed an audience of UN and world leaders and goodwill ambassadors gathered at FAO to mark World Food Day. “We cannot be content with proclaiming values; we must embody them…. Slogans do not lift people from misery. We must place the human person above profit and guarantee food security, access to resources, and sustainable rural development…. the fight against hunger is not only a political or economic task but a profoundly human and moral duty.

Whoever suffers from hunger is not a stranger. He is my brother, and I must help him without delay….

The Pope denounced an economy without a soul and a system of resource distribution that leaves vast populations in misery, calling the persistence of hunger in an age of abundance a collective moral failure and a historical fault.” (Linda Bordoni, Vatican News, 10/16/25)

We can make a difference both globally and locally. Urge Congress to maintain robust funding for food and poverty relief programs, including Title II Food for Peace and McGovern-Dole Food for Education. “The loss of any support and federal funding for international humanitarian assistance means real suffering for millions—but your advocacy is a lifeline.” (Catholic Relief Services and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops , 10/16/25) 

Here at Holy Cross, our Food Pantry provides access to our neighbors in need every Tuesday from 10:00-12:00. For Thanksgiving, the Ladies Guild is sponsoring a Basket of Giving Drive. At the entrance to the church, you will find a basket filled with slips of paper with suggestions for food items to donate. Take as many as you like! Bring non-perishable items to Mass and perishable items to the Food Pantry on Tuesdays. The drive will continue until Thanksgiving. 

Ending hunger “requires the contribution of all: governments, institutions, civil society, and every individual person.” ~ Pope Leo

Comments on this column may be directed to the Social Justice Committee at socialjustice@holycrossphl.org. Click here for column archive.