The Church of the Brethren was represented at the Bread for the World 40th anniversary gathering by Office of Public Witness director Nathan Hosler. The denomination helped provide financial support for the gathering, held in Washington, D.C., on June 9-10, through a $1,000 grant from the Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) in honor of the anniversary, reports GFCF manager Jeffrey S. Boshart.
Bread for the World ( www.bread.org ) is a collective Christian voice urging the nation’s decisionmakers to end hunger at home and abroad. Dubbed “Bread Rising,” its 40th anniversary gathering aimed to lay groundwork for ending hunger by 2030, said a release from the organization.
The anniversary celebration also was Bread for the World’s annual National Gathering and Lobby Day. Announced speakers included travel expert Rick Steves, Gabriel Salguero of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, and CARE policy advocate Tony Rawe, among others. This year’s program educated activists on issues of immigration, mass incarceration, and sustainable food security. On Lobby Day, hunger advocates from across the country met with their representatives to urged reform of US food-aid programs and the immigration system.
“Behind our four decades of achievements for hungry people are strong activists, friends, and supporters working tirelessly to eradicate hunger and poverty in their communities, their country, and around the world,” said David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. “It’s important that we not only celebrate where we came from and who helped us along the way; we must also map out how we will merge our collective talents, contacts, and faith to get the job done in 15 years.”
Learn more about Bread for the World’s 40th anniversary celebration at www.bread.org/40 . For more about the Global Food Crisis Fund, go to www.brethren.org/gfcf .
— This report includes excerpts from Bread for the World releases from Fito Moreno, media relations specialist.