Nearly 1-in-10 people - 733 million - in our world are hungry.

 

As members of the ELCA, we are called to respond. We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work.

 

Working domestically with and through individuals and our congregations, in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and internationally with over 60 Lutheran churches overseas and other partners, ELCA World Hunger is uniquely positioned to reach communities in need.

 

From health clinics to microloans, water wells to animal husbandry, community meals to advocacy, your gifts to ELCA World Hunger make it possible for the ELCA to respond, supporting sustainable solutions that get at the root causes of hunger and poverty. In 2019, gifts to ELCA World Hunger were $23.4 million. Our Northern Illinois Synod contributed $411,000 to this total.  Learn More.

Hunger Facts

Extreme poverty – living under $2.15 per day – affects 700 million people. 

 

In the U.S., 37.9 million people live in poverty.  18 million people are food insecure, an increase of 1 million between 2022 and 2023. 

Expensive Housing. Today, over 22 million households must spend at least 30% of their income on housing, mainly because the U.S. lacks enough affordable apartments.

Climate change means 3.6 billion people live at risk of climate-caused disaster, risking their lives and raising the cost of living. 

Advocate.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. expanded the Child Tax Credit. While it expired in 2021, the expansion of this anti-poverty measure cut childhood poverty by more than 50%. The advocacy we do in our communities can make real change.

 

The Northern Illinois Synod World Hunger Subcommittee is excited to announce a campaign to support ELCA World Hunger! Join us as we come together to raise $100,000 to support the essential work of ELCA World Hunger. Every amount given up to $100,000 will be matched by an anonymous donor, that means your dollar will feed even more people. All gifts given through the Northern Illinois Synod with ELCA World Hunger in the memo will count as we gather resources to provide lifesaving nutrients. Checkout the resources below, more resources will be posted throughout the year. 

World Hunger Resources

 

World Hunger Subcommittee 2024

Report for Synod Assembly