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Reflections from our Pastors
Thursday, October 16, 2025
World Food Day
World Food Day, held on October 16, is an annual reminder that food insecurity and malnutrition remain ever-present.
As the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) celebrates its 80th anniversary, an estimated 1 in 12 people globally still face hunger. And with climate change, geopolitical conflicts and continued food price inflation, we could see food insecurity become more precarious rather than decline. This still leaves around 700 million people experiencing hunger. In addition, more than a quarter – or nearly 2.3 billion- experienced moderate or severe food insecurity last year. (World Economic
Forum, October 9, 2025)
This year’s theme for World Food Day is "Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future." Our 301 Faith Partners try to work “Hand in Hand” in several ministries helping those who are food insecure in Fort Collins:
1. Grocery/gas cards – Our Social Justice Committee, Leadership Council and community members have funded this ministry since 2018. There are always folks who fall through the cracks of established human service networks and public assistance programs. I believe we are of service to many of them, as well as folks experiencing emergency situations. St. Paul’s Episcopal and Trinity Lutheran also distribute grocery/gas cards.
2. The Little Pantry – Out on the sidewalk in front of the church is a small wooden structure that acts as a little pantry. Each and every day, (Yes, 365 days per year), the pantry is filled by members of our communities. Funding is dependent on donations of
food/money. The Lutherans also apply for grants from Thrivent when funding is low. The little pantry is a great resource for homeless and students in Fort Collins.
3. Lutheran Campus Ministry -- LuMin in Fort Collins works to recognize, encourage, and walk with young adults. It is a partnering community that serves with those of other faiths. Mary of Magdala, St. Paul’s, and Trinity Lutheran, along with other area churches, participate in offering dinner to college students who are food insecure. MoM currently provides dinner one Tuesday each month. Lisa Jones is always looking for volunteers to help with the creation and serving of this monthly dinner.
4. Food Bank for Larimer County -- Each year, the food bank provides food to more than 55,000 people in need through community partnerships and hunger-relief programs. At various times throughout the year, our three communities are asked to donate food that will be given to the food bank. Our 301 Faith Partners have continued to provide generous donations for our food bank drives.
5. The Turkey Roundup – Each Thanksgiving season, Len Russ with other volunteers, collects “Rock Hard Frozen Turkeys” to give to the Food Bank so that families can celebrate Thanksgiving with a turkey dinner. In 2024, our three communities gathered up 82 turkeys weighing a total of 1,142 lbs. and 3 chickens weighing 10 1/2 lbs.! November is coming soon, and we hope to increase our giving to families in need.
Achieving food security means that people have enough safe, nutritious food to develop normally and lead a healthy life. Food insecurity reflects the opposite. Chronic food insecurity describes a state in which people don’t have enough food over extended periods to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Our 301 Faith Partners continue to support efforts that attempt to curtail food insecurity needs in Larimer County. As the holidays approach, let us remember the millions world-wide who still do not have sufficient food.
What we do for the least of our siblings in Christ, we do for Him.
In Christ’s Peace,
Mother Rosean
To easily donate to any of these causes, you can use this online donation link.
Please use "Designated Fund" and note how you would like your donation used.
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