Give The Something to Eat: Presbyterian Women Following Jesus' Mandate
by Cleda Locey

Each of the Gospels tells the story of Jesus preaching in a deserted area to a crowd of thousands who eventually become hungry. In Mark’s version (6:30–44), the disciples express concern to Jesus about the crowd needing
a break to find food. Jesus answers, “You give them something to eat.” The disciples do just that, and feed 5,000 people with just five loaves and two fish.

People of faith long have followed Jesus’ mandate; Presbyterians in the United States have made feeding the hungry a priority for nearly 40 years.1 Presbyterian women also have sought ways to follow Jesus’ mandate to feed the hungry, both by developing new programs and supporting the work of others.

Find out about the creative, life-changing anti-hunger programs started by women's organizations in the Presbyterian Church.

Cleda J. Locey was the first moderator of Presbyterian Women (1988–1991).

Illustration by Paula Wiggins/TheSpiritSource.com.

Notes:
1. The Common Affirmation on Global Hunger was accepted in 1979 by both the PCUS and UPCUSA.

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