Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is A Call to Feed the Hungry Sunday?
A Call to Feed the Hungry Sunday is a statewide invitation for congregations of faith across Texas to gather in prayer and worship, reflect on Jesus feeding the five thousand, and take one simple action: invite people to sign the A Call to Feed the Hungry card.
WHY? Every person who signs on in support helps show decision-makers that congregations of faith across Texas support protecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP provides approximately 90% of food assistance in Texas, while religious and charitable organizations provide about 10%. Churches are essential partners, but they cannot replace a program designed to support millions of households reliably.
WHAT YOUR CONGREGATION IS BEING ASKED TO DO
• Gather in prayer and worship.
• Reflect on Jesus feeding the five thousand.
• Use the campaign toolkit.
• Invite people to sign the A Call to Feed the Hungry card.
WHAT YOUR CONGREGATION IS NOT BEING ASKED TO DO
• Start a food pantry.
• Launch a new ministry.
• Organize a food drive.
• Distribute meals on August 2.
2. Is this a political campaign?
No. A Call to Feed the Hungry is a nonpartisan, faith-based initiative. It does not endorse or oppose any political party, candidate, or election. The campaign invites congregations of faith together to pray for our neighbors, learn about hunger in Texas, and faithfully advocate for continued access to nutritious food.
3. Why is the Church participating?
As people of faith, we are called to love our neighbors and care for those experiencing hunger. Texas has one of the highest food insecurity rates in the nation: about 1 in 6 Texans regularly goes hungry, and approximately one third of those experiencing hunger are children.
The cuts to SNAP initiated last year have further strained our congregations' ability to help our neighbors. Churches remain essential partners, but they cannot meet this growing need alone.
This initiative gives congregations a faithful way to pray, learn, and act together.
4. How can my congregation participate?
• Gather in worship and pray for neighbors experiencing hunger on August 2nd. If your congregation cannot celebrate it that Sunday, you can choose another Sunday during August. Congregations of other faiths and non-profits will be acknowledging the Call to Feed the Hungry throughout the July 31 – August 2 weekend and during the month of August.
• Reflect on the Gospel account of Jesus feeding the five thousand.
• Use the ready to use sermon and communication materials in the toolkit.
• Invite everyone to sign the A Call to Feed the Hungry card and encourage others to do the same.
5. Is training available for clergy and congregation leaders?
Yes. Online Trainings are available to help clergy and lay leaders understand and speak knowledgably about the campaign, explain the role of SNAP in a sermon, announcement, or formation time, respond to common questions, and guide congregations through the signing process. Use the training link provided by the campaign team or visit the campaign website for current training information.
6. Why are we asking people to sign the A Call to Feed the Hungry card?
Every person who signs strengthens a shared, faithful witness. While your personal information will not be shared, the campaign team will use zip codes gathered to demonstrate to decision-makers that congregations of faith across Texas support continued access to SNAP. We are supporting continued SNAP funding due to recent changes, rising food costs, and increasing demand that continue to place additional pressure on families and local food ministries. This is a nonpartisan effort focused on helping Texas families access the food they need.
7. Why is SNAP so important?
SNAP is the primary source of food assistance in Texas and the largest anti hunger program in the country. It reaches roughly 1 in 8 Americans. In Texas, SNAP provides approximately 90% of food assistance, while religious and charitable organizations provide about 10%.
In 2024, SNAP issued $6.97 billion in benefits in Texas and generated $10.73 billion in economic activity, a 54% return on investment.
8. Why can churches not simply fill the gap?
Churches, food pantries, and food banks already serve neighbors faithfully, but they do not have the scale, storage capacity, labor force, predictable funding, or supply chain needed for year-round, statewide food distribution.
When SNAP is reduced or delayed, food pantries often see record lines, food shortages, and immediate increases in demand beyond their capacity. Together they meet approximately 10% of the need, while SNAP provides about 90% of food assistance in Texas.
Church ministries complement SNAP. They were never designed to replace it.
9. What happens to families when SNAP benefits are reduced?
Families may miss meals or choose between groceries, medications, rent, and utilities. SNAP benefits often already run out before the end of the month for families with limited incomes. Reductions can also increase requests to churches for housing, utility, and crisis assistance, not only food.
10. How does SNAP affect the Texas economy?
SNAP benefits support grocery stores, farmers, distributors, food related businesses, and jobs. Every $1 billion in SNAP benefits generates approximately $1.54 billion in gross domestic product and supports about 13,560 jobs. SNAP spending also generates about $1.50 in economic activity for every $1 spent.
11. What does nonpartisan mean?
Nonpartisan means the campaign does not support or oppose political parties or candidates. Its purpose is to unite people of faith around a shared concern: helping neighbors experiencing hunger continue to access nutritious food.
12. Do we need to start a food pantry or organize a food drive on August 2?
No. You are not being asked to start a pantry, launch a new ministry, organize a food drive, or distribute meals. Your congregation is being asked to gather in worship, use the toolkit, explain why SNAP matters, and invite people to sign the card.
13. Our congregation already has a food pantry. Should we still participate?
Absolutely. Your food ministry is essential. A Call to Feed the Hungry Sunday complements that work by supporting the larger system that helps families purchase groceries throughout the month. SNAP offers predictable monthly benefits, access to grocery stores and fresh food, and dignity and choice for families.
14. Our congregation does not have a food pantry. Can we still participate?
Yes. Every congregation can participate through prayer, worship, education, and signing the card. A food pantry is not required.
15. Where can I download the toolkit/Google Drive?
Visit www.calltofeedthehungry.org/toolkit to access the campaign toolkit and available resources.
16. What's included in the toolkit?
• Preaching and Bible study resources
• Trainings and Campaign information
• Additional communication resources
17. What should I do with the toolkit?
Choose the resources that best fit your congregation. Use them before and during your selected Sunday in August to explain the campaign, share the facts clearly, and invite people to sign the A Call to Feed the Hungry card.
18. Can I receive the sermon and campaign materials in Spanish?
Yes. Spanish resources are available here to promote A Call to Feed the Hungry Sunday. Please contact Andrew Terry (aterry@epicenter.org) if you need help accessing them or have an additional request.
19. What if someone does not have an email address?
Everyone should be able to participate. If someone does not have an email address, or shares an email address with another household member, use info@feedthepeopletoday.org on the form.
20. How will your information be used?
• To share SNAP updates, education sessions, and information.
• Your phone number will be used to confirm you’ve received information and for invitations to local SNAP-sign up events.
• Your zip code of residence will be used to show decision-makers the broad base of geographic support for SNAP.
The campaign will Not:
• Share or sell your information to a third party. It is stored in a private database.
• Share your name or personal information with legislators in the form of a petition or any other manner.
• It will not be used for unrelated marketing or promotional emails.
21. We collected signatures on printed cards. What should we do next?
You have two options: enter the information into the online form or return the completed cards to Willie Bennett (wbennett@episcopalhealth.org), who can enter the information on behalf of your congregation.
22. Can people sign online instead of using a printed card?
Yes. People may sign the A Call to Feed the Hungry card online here: https://edotformation.formstack.com/forms/edot_ehf_interfaith_food_insecurity_database_jan_2026
23. Where can I learn more or find facts to answer questions?
Visit www.calltofeedthehungry.org for the toolkit, fact sheets, research, sermon resources, campaign materials, and available training resources. Two helpful fact sheets are Why Churches Should Be Deeply Concerned About SNAP Cuts and Impact of SNAP Cuts on Texas, more here: https://www.calltofeedthehungry.org/snap-resources
24. What if someone asks me a question I do not know how to answer?
That is okay. You are not expected to have every answer. Review the campaign training and fact sheets, visit the campaign website, or contact Andrew Terry (aterry@epicenter.org) The campaign team can answer the question or connect you with the appropriate resource.
25. Who should I contact if I have not received updates or still have questions?
Please contact Andrew Terry (aterry@epicenter.org) for help with campaign updates, toolkit materials, Spanish resources, training, printed cards, or questions about your congregation’s participation.
More Here: https://www.calltofeedthehungry.org/
Thank you for joining congregations of faith across Texas as we respond to Christ’s call to care for our neighbors experiencing hunger.