Hunger Network in Ohio

Creating Awareness - Seeking Solutions

Hunger and Public Policy 2006

The Booklet

"Plenty and Scarcity: Hunger and Public Policy 2006" is now available. As a resource for discussing five critical issues impacting hungry people, these booklets may be used for groups gathering for Bible study, prayer, and conversations about the role of faith in society. They may be used for Lenten season or throughout the year.

The Process

Each year the Board of Trustees of the Hunger Network in Ohio (HNO) determines the most crucial hunger-related issues the Organization is able to effectively impact. These subjects are packaged into a study booklet. This year’s edition of “Plenty and Scarcity: Hunger and Public Policy 2006” is distributed through congregations and is available for use by other interested groups and individuals.

The Issues

While working with collegial organizations on international concerns, the HNO primarily focuses on hunger issues in and affecting Ohio. This year’s priority issues are

	"POVERTY AS MORALITY: Faces of Poor, Katrina and Beyond;"
	"LEGISLATING OR REGULATING? In-TEL-igence in Ohio Politics;"
	"INCOME JUSTICE: The Economy and Fair Wages;"
	"FAREWELL TO WELFARE: Moving Families out of Poverty;" and
	"MAKING $ENSE OF TAX CUTS: Impacting 'HAVES'/'HAVE-NOTS'."

Accessing the Booklet

"Plenty and Scarcity" is available here. Simply click the link and follow the instructions to download.

Adobe Acrobat 6.5
2.4 MB

Hunger Network in Ohio

The mission of the Hunger Network in Ohio is to end hunger by changing conditions causing poverty. Networking within communities of faith and with human service and other advocacy organizations, HNO equips individuals and groups to impact public policy decisions on hunger and poverty.

Since 1978, Hunger Network in Ohio has worked with congregations and persons of faith to consider reasons for hunger and long-term solutions to poverty. Participants are given opportunities for education on policy issues and tools to become effective advocates with and for those who are hungry.

The organization is governed by a board of trustees from the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, Episcopal Dioceses of Ohio and Southern Ohio, Northeastern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American, and Eastminster Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Using the Booklet

“Plenty & Scarcity” features five critical issues being addressed this year through the Hunger Network in Ohio. They are written for anyone who is concerned about hunger and willing to help change conditions that cause it. The booklet combines biblical suggestions with information about hunger-related issues and implications of public policy decisions. These discussion-starters may be used by church classes, families, friends, or any small groups willing to struggle together with Scripture and life—ancient wisdom and contemporary society.

This exercise is intended to encourage lively dialogue on the humanitarian impact of choices before us—the tension between “Plenty and Scarcity.” In a universe blessed with abundance, too many of our local and global neighbors are cursed with hunger, malnutrition, and starvation.

While participants are encouraged to adopt their own patterns for personal and group discussions, a suggested format includes the following:

	Begin by reading the Scripture, first silently and, after a period of personal meditation, invite a willing person to read it out loud. Individuals may then share briefly the meaning of the passage for them personally.
	Next turn to the topic. Recognizing the constant change in circumstances surrounding any issues and the varying amounts of information each person may bring to the discussion, participants may share additional input, ask questions, and discuss their views. Optional questions at the end of each section are provided to stimulate discussion.
	After conversing about each issue, again read the same Scripture in unison and share thoughts about the implications of the passage for the public policy issue(s) being discussed.
	A period of prayer may follow in which, in light of the discussion, participants may voice their concerns, hopes, commitments.
	Conclude each session with participants filling out their ballots (on last page of booklet). They may wish to share their answers with one another as well as consider how to act upon their conclusions.

The last page of the booklet suggests other ways to make a difference.

Hunger Network in Ohio
82 East 16th Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43201
Phone: 614-424-6203
E-mail: info@hungernetohio.org