ELCA World Hunger

Nearly 1-in-10 people – 733 million – in our world are hungry. [1] As members of the ELCA, we are called to respond. We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work.

Working with and through our congregations, in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands 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. Learn More.

Hunger Facts

• Extreme poverty – living under $2.15 per day – affects 700 million people. [2]
• In the U.S., 37.9 million people live in poverty. [3] 18 million people are food insecure, an increase of 1 million between 2022 and 2023. [4]
• 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. [5]
• Climate change means 3.6 billion people live at risk of climate-caused disaster, risking their lives and raising the cost of living. [6]
• 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%. [7] The advocacy we do in our communities can make real change.

Recommended ELCA World Hunger Educational Resources

• The following are resources congregations can use to learn more about local need and make direct impact on ending hunger.
• “Know Your Neighborhood” with this guide to understanding what’s happening near you: https://resources.elca.org/elca-world-hunger/world-hunger-know-your-neighborhood-guide/
• Contact the principals at local schools about the needs kids have locally. Our “Backpack Buddies” program can help you get started: https://resources.elca.org/elca-world-hunger/backpack-buddies-how-to-guide/

As you get to know your community, let our “Feeding Ministries” guide help you get started: https://resources.elca.org/elca-world-hunger/feeding-ministries-guide/