Episcopal Press and News
Preparations Underway For World Food Day
Episcopal News Service. July 11, 1985 [85155]
NEW YORK (DPS, July 11) -- Saying, "We have responded to immediate relief needs [of the famine in Africa]. We now need to respond with rehabilitation and development efforts to prevent a recurrence," Presiding Bishop John M. Allin called on Episcopalians to join with people of all faiths and nations in observing World Food Day, October 16, and to set aside the following Sunday, October 20, as Hunger Sunday.
In his letter, Allin asked that Hunger Sunday be "marked not only with special ingatherings but also with services of worship and programs of education that focus on hunger. In all of this, please support the work of the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief."
The Fund and the Episcopal Church's Hunger Office are working with the National Committee for World Food Day to publicize World Food Day and to provide resources for its celebration and that of Hunger Sunday. A recent letter from Dr. David Crean, staff officer for hunger, to diocesan hunger coordinators noted that a worship resource, "The Bread Which We Break," is currently in preparation. This follows an "octave" plan, beginning with a service of dedication and ending with a service of thanksgiving and ingathering for the following Sunday. For the six days in between, there will be suggestions for prayer, meditations and study for individuals, families and small groups on the theme of the six days of creation. A booklet already available, "How Many Loaves Have You?," may be used as a companion piece.
These and other informational materials may be obtained from the Hunger Office, Episcopal Church Center, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017. Information on World Food Day itself may be obtained from the National Committee for World Food Day, 1001 22nd Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20437.
Noted in Allin's letter is the fact that this year is the 40th anniversary of the founding of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, sponsor of World Food Day.