Introduction
Hunger is a global problem in developing and developed countries, despite being much more widespread in the former. Christianity teaches us to help our fellow people when they are in trouble, and hunger is one of the fundamental social calamities. No matter what, personal relations with people who suffer and helping them will make the world and the helper better. As hunger and other social problems persist in the world, organizations created by caring people strive to resolve them and make people more aware of the necessity to improve the world.
Hunger and Food Insecurity Overview
Food insecurity is a global issue impacting both developing and developed countries. Thousands of homeless people exist in the United States, with Maricopa County alone witnessing 9,000 homeless individuals each night (Home: Phoenix Rescue Mission, 2023). Poverty rates rise as social security and welfare support decrease in developed countries like the United Kingdom. Christian organizations are crucial in assisting those affected (Denning, 2021). Fourteen million children worldwide suffer from severe malnutrition, contributing to 45% of early deaths (World Hunger Facts & Statistics, 2022). The pandemic increased the number of undernourished people by 150 million between 2019 and 2022 (World Hunger Facts & Statistics, 2022).
Physical signs of malnutrition can be identified through nutritional assessments (Table E-5). Some examples of these signs include:
- Hair: Dull, brittle, dry, loose hair that falls out quickly indicates severe acute malnutrition, while corkscrew hair suggests a vitamin C deficiency.
- Eyes: Pale membranes may indicate iron deficiency, spots, and dryness, or night blindness may be due to a lack of vitamin A, and redness at the corners of the eyes may result from a deficiency in B vitamins.
- Mouth: Bleeding gums may be caused by vitamin C deficiency, a smooth or magenta tongue may indicate a lack of B vitamins, poor taste sensation could result from zinc deficiency, and dry, cracked, or sore corners of the lips may signify a deficiency in B vitamins.
- Skin: Poor wound healing can be a sign of severe acute malnutrition or a deficiency in vitamin C (Whitney & Rolfes, 2021).
Organizations Overview
Several faith-based organizations focus on addressing hunger and malnutrition, with Christian organizations being particularly effective due to their commitment to helping others (Denning, 2021). Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) was founded in 1987 by Richard Proudfit and is dedicated to providing nutrient-rich meals to children worldwide. As a Christian nonprofit based in Mesa, Arizona, FMSC aims to spread God’s word while improving health and nutrition. College students can get involved by volunteering through third-party websites and hosting fundraising events (Home: Feed My Starving Children, 2023).
Established in 1991 by Dave Phillips, the Children’s Hunger Fund delivers food to needy children and families while promoting gospel-centered mercy ministry through local churches (Home: Children’s Hunger Fund, 2023). Students can volunteer by learning about their programs and applying directly on their website.
The Phoenix Rescue Mission, founded in response to the growing homeless population in Maricopa County, Arizona, offers a range of programs and services to address hunger, addiction, and unemployment. As a Christian organization, its mission is to provide Christ-centered, life-transforming solutions to those facing hunger and homelessness (Home: Phoenix Rescue Mission, 2023). Students can volunteer by applying directly on their website, signing up for events, or participating in community drives.
Involvement Plan
I am interested in volunteering with the Phoenix Rescue Mission, an organization in my local community that addresses pressing needs. College is an ideal time to volunteer, and students can contribute to local organizations in various ways. The Phoenix Rescue Mission actively seeks volunteers (Roman, 2023), providing a valuable opportunity for students to help others, gain experience, and live out their faith values.
The Christian worldview emphasizes the importance of assisting those in need. A relevant Bible verse, Proverbs 19:17 (NIV), states, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” This verse highlights the significance of helping the less fortunate in the eyes of God and provides a rationale for action against hunger from a Christian perspective.
By volunteering with the Phoenix Rescue Mission or similar organizations, college students can demonstrate their commitment to the teachings of the Bible and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing hunger and hardship. Students can get involved by monitoring articles, contacting the organization directly, and participating in various ways, including making small donations if they cannot volunteer physically. My previous experience volunteering at a food bank in Yavapai County has prepared me to communicate effectively and collaborate with organizations like the Phoenix Rescue Mission.
Volunteering Experience and Discussion
I have experience working at Yavapai Food Bank, where I was responsible for contacting local food and retail businesses that were willing to help those who were hungry. I communicated with them, and more than 20 were happy to help and provide food for needy people. More than 80 people were fed by the Yavapai Food Bank each day with bread, meat, pastry, fruits, and vegetables. While I was aware of hunger issues, I was impressed by how many people can become happier by having the opportunity to eat at the food bank. In the future, in my career and life activities, I plan to follow the Christian ideals of serving people for the greater good, and this activity has helped me understand how exactly I can do this.
Conclusion
Numerous individuals face challenges such as hunger, unemployment, and even addiction. Hunger remains a prevalent issue across all nations, with even developed countries like the United States experiencing thousands of homeless individuals. The Christian worldview emphasizes helping others during difficult times, regardless of personal relationships.
As a result, numerous organizations rooted in Christian principles focus on improving the world and helping others. I have volunteered with one such organization and plan to work with the Phoenix Rescue Mission. Thus, while hunger and other social issues remain critical, raising awareness and promoting kindness can significantly alleviate these problems.
References
Christensen, K. A., Forbush, K. T., Richson, B. N., Thomeczek, M. L., Perko, V. L., Bjorlie, K., Christian, K., Ayres, J., Wildes, J. E., & Mildrum Chana, S. (2021). Food insecurity associated with elevated eating disorder symptoms, impairment, and eating disorder diagnoses in an American University student sample before and during the beginning of the COVID ‐19 pandemic. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 54(7). Web.
Denning, S. (2021). The effect of volunteering upon volunteers’ Christian faith: Food poverty and holiday hunger. Geoforum, 119, 52–60. Web.
Holy Bible: New international version. (2018). Zondervan.
Home: Children’s hunger fund. (2023). Children’s Hunger Fund. Web.
Home: Feed my starving children. (2023). Feed My Starving Children. Web.
Home: Phoenix rescue mission. (2023). Phoenix Rescue Mission. Web.
Roman, A. (2023). Phoenix Rescue Mission seeks donations, volunteers. FOX 10 Phoenix. Web.
Whitney, E. N., & Rolfes, S. R. (2021). Understanding nutrition. Brooks/Cole.
World hunger facts & statistics. (2022). Action against Hunger. Web.