Matthew 25 in Action: Nourishing Bodies and Souls at First Presbyterian Church of Chili
In the heart of the community, the First Presbyterian Church of Chili Food Cupboard embodies the spirit of Matthew 25:35, turning compassion into action by addressing both hunger and spiritual needs. Grounded in their church’s mission of being "Rooted in Faith, Growing Together, Caring for the Community," the Food Cupboard has become a cornerstone of outreach since its inception in June 2021.
A Vision of Sustenance and Hope
The Food Cupboard was established with a vision to provide emergency food assistance, fostering hope and a pathway to self-sufficiency for those in need. From its humble beginnings, the initiative has blossomed, driven by a commitment to nourish not just the body but also the spirit of the community. Every distribution day, which occurs once a month, sees their volunteers distributing vital food supplies such as fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and meat, sourced in partnership with Foodlink. These supplies are carefully selected to ensure a family can be sustained for at least a week.
In addition to physical nourishment, the outreach extends to spiritual support. During food distribution, they invite clients to share prayer requests, which are then communicated to the congregation for collective prayer, reinforcing their community bonds.
Record-Breaking Outreach
This past April, the Food Cupboard reached a new milestone, serving 111 households and 345 individuals — the highest ever since the program began. This increase is a testament to the growing need within their community and the trust and reliance that the community places in the church’s efforts.
Cooking with Miya: Educating and Engaging
Adding a new dimension to its mission, the Food Cupboard recently introduced "Cooking with Miya," a quarterly cooking class that combines food education with practical cooking skills. Each class, led by a representative from Foodlink, focuses on maximizing the nutritional benefits of fresh produce. The classes have proven immensely popular, with attendance nearing capacity and participants eagerly taking home new culinary skills and the ingredients needed to recreate healthy recipes at home.
The first class featured a Sweet Potato and Red Bean Chili, emphasizing the nutritional value of beans and their versatility, while the second class focused on Zucchini Pizza Boats, coupled with education on how to read nutrition labels effectively.
Growing Together
As we reflect on the impact of the Food Cupboard, it is clear that this initiative is more than just a food distribution center. It is a place where the community comes together to support each other in need, learn new skills, and foster deeper connections. Looking ahead, our focus remains on sustaining and expanding this vital community resource, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our community.
The journey of the First Presbyterian Church of Chili Food Cupboard is a profound illustration of what it means to live out the Matthew 25 invitation. It is through these acts of service and love that they truly embody their calling to care for the least of these, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.
This initiative under the Matthew 25 umbrella continues to show that small acts of kindness and community-oriented projects can have a profound impact, echoing the core values of the Genesee Valley Presbytery and the Synod of the Northeast. Through initiatives like these, the members of the Synod of the Northeast are building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty, one step at a time.
