‘...‘Lord, when did we see You hungry ... and not minister to You?' Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ — Matthew 25:43, 45
What do you get when you join together the Metropolis Philoptochos and the Folk Dance and Choral Festival? A dynamic collaboration that led to an impactful community service project to start off the 41st Annual FDF.
On Thursday, February 14, 2017 as FDF participants and their families arrived at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, they had the opportunity to join in a Hunger Project to benefit the non-profit organization Feeding Children Everywhere. Exemplifying the 2017 FDF theme All For One, over 200 people worked in unity to package a record-breaking 41,000 meals in 90 minutes to feed hungry children throughout the world. Watch this exciting video below to see our faith in action!
“This was a remarkable experience and to see the excitement and cooperation of all our volunteers was truly uplifting,” remarked His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “What a wonderful way to celebrate 41 years of FDF and put into action this year’s theme, All For One, joining hands and hearts and reaching beyond ourselves to help others.”
Eight assembly lines with volunteers of all ages wearing plastic gloves and blue hair covers measured and packaged rice, beans and lentils, heat-sealed the bags, and boxed up the meals to prepare for shipment. With inspiring music playing in the background, motivational announcements, and sincere teamwork, the Hunger Project was truly a labor of love for all those who participated.
Diakonia projects focusing on community service and outreach have been a part of the FDF program at the parish level for many years. This year FDF expanded this program by providing an opportunity for the entire FDF family to make a personal difference in the fight against global hunger.
A Hunger Project is more than just an assembly line. It is a high-energy activity that offers a truly dynamic experience positively impacting children throughout the world while bringing personal fulfillment. National Philoptochos has developed an ongoing partnership with Feeding Children Everywhere and the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos has hosted other Hunger Projects in cooperation with local chapters.
When asked to describe the Hunger Project experience, Metropolis Philoptochos President Jeannie Ranglas commented, “It is the epitome of love in action! This hands-on, tangible way for us to share our love and compassion with others represents the Philoptochos movement – to help those in need.”
Thank you to everyone who participated and made this Hunger Project an overwhelming success!