Congregations across cultural and theological lines must see hunger as an affront to justice and unite in the struggle to eradicate food insecurity, according to a new campaign launched by Church World Service.
The global humanitarian organization released a 2025 Ecumenical Statement on Hunger Justice Sept. 2 in conjunction with numerous partners including the Alliance of Baptists, American Baptist Churches in the USA, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church (USA), United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Reformed Church in America and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Timed to coincide with September’s Hunger Action Month, the initiative invites churches across denominations to join in harnessing Jesus’ commandment to love neighbor as self to inspire service to those plagued by hunger.
Signatories must also commit to investigating hunger in their local communities, participate in hunger-fighting groups, inform friends and family on hunger issues and actively press elected officials to promote anti-hunger legislation.
The campaign also urges people of faith to participate in its national series of CROP Hunger Walks to raise awareness and money for emergency food supplies and to equip families with the tools and seeds necessary to feed themselves.
“Today, although food is abundant in our country and our world, hunger is surging in communities near and far — driven by conflict, climate-fueled disasters, failing economies and unjust policies that have undermined the safety nets so many of our neighbors rely on to survive,” the statement says.
Jeremy Everett
Hunger expert Jeremy Everett lauded the initiative for encouraging Christians to look beneath the surface of the gnawing issue of food security.
“Hunger is often the most visible symptom of deeper systemic problems — poverty, lack of access to health care, racial inequality, underemployment, housing instability and environmental injustice,” said Everett, executive director of the Baylor University Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty.
He also acknowledged that encouraging unity across denominational lines is the best approach because of the enormity of the challenge.
“No single tradition or institution can solve hunger alone.”
“An ecumenical approach reflects the reality that no single tradition or institution can solve hunger alone. When churches across theological and cultural lines come together in humility and shared purpose, we not only increase our impact — we embody the unity that Jesus prayed for.”
Working across political and religious lines also has been effective for the Baylor Collaborative, which promotes community-based anti-hunger initiatives by combining public service, scientific research and strategic collaboration, he said..
“That’s why we believe in solutions that combine food access with policy change, education and economic opportunity. If we want to end hunger, we have to care not just about the empty stomach — but about the whole person and the systems that shape their lives.”
Collaboration multiplies influence in policy, strengthens local partnerships and reminds the world that faith communities can lead on the most pressing issues of our time, Everett said, adding he recommends Christians sign the ecumenical statement.
“It represents a deeply rooted expression of faith in action — a collective affirmation that hunger is both a moral and spiritual crisis we are called to confront. Signing on is not just symbolic, it signals a personal and institutional commitment to move beyond charity toward justice.”
Participation in the CROP Walks is a key element for statement signatories to education their friends, families and communities about the presence and nature of hunger in their neighborhoods, CWS said.
So far, more than 6,200 people in 1,550 teams have been registered and $1.2 million raised for the effort. Registrants can choose their own dates for the walks.
Rick Santos
Hunger and its associated injustices rob millions in the U.S. and around the world of security and happiness and disproportionately affects immigrants, refugees, the homeless and victims of natural disaster, organizers added.
“Defeating hunger injustice is not just about a full plate, it’s about a full life,” said CWS President Rick Santos. “Access to food is directly tied to better health and increased opportunity. Addressing hunger inequality is tied to clean water and better sanitation. It impacts the most vulnerable in times of conflict, disaster and displacement.”
The statement cites passages from Isaiah and the Gospel of Mark requiring people of faith “to ensure all have what they need to thrive” in a country where food is abundantly available.
“As people of faith, we commit to learning, educating, volunteering, donating, engaging and advocating so all may thrive with enough food — answering God’s call to justice, kindness, humility and neighborly love,” it says.