What is Cents-ability?
A strategy for raising awareness — and funds — for the fight against hunger
 Cents-Ability is a small first step in the battle against hunger and poverty. Congregations invite every member — of all ages — to contribute a few cents at every meal. This simple act is an expression of thanks for what we have received. It is also a commitment to share with others in response to Jesus' command "You give them something to eat." When members bring their offerings to church on the appointed Sunday, all of those coins "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" as they are received and dedicated.
These small acts of faithfulness can add up: One hundred persons in a congregation will contribute $180 a month at two cents a meal. That's $2,160 dollars a year. A 30,000-member presbytery has the potential of raising over $1.6 million annually at a nickle a meal.
Cents-Ability originated in 1976 as "Two-Cents-A-Meal," a project begun by Presbyterian Women to involve individuals and families in a corporate response to world hunger. Over the years, presbyteries have developed similar programs entitled Pennies for Hunger, Nickle-A-Meal, etc. Many of these programs benefit local hunger ministries as well as the national and international projects of the Presbyterian Hunger Program. (PHP).
PHP has developed a series of Cents-Ability resources to help presbyteries and congregations begin and expand hunger education and fund-raising programs. These include posters, banks, placemats, prayer table tents and a notebook full of suggestions and program models. Order resources online (below), or contact the Presbyterian Distribution Center by phone at (800) 524-2612.
Get Cents-Ability resources online
Information on how to initiate and implement a Cents-Ability program.
Free
Download Notebook:
Section 1: Getting Started 
Section 2: Worship Resources
Section 3: Educational Resources
Section 4: Promotion
Section 5: Sample Forms
Coin bank
Coin bank with Cents-Ability logo to use for individual or family offerings.
$5.00 for pack of 25
PDS#74-360-01-322
Plastic cups with slotted lids, similar to those distributed at General Assembly and the Presbyterian Women's Gathering. Great for using on tables at church dinners; can be re-used many times.
$5.00 for pack of 20
PDS#74-360-04-320
Reproducible sheet with space for congregation or presbytery information.
Reproducible design to cover various size cans for use in Cents-Ability offerings.
Free
Reproducible sheet of various logos used in conjunction with or instead of Cents-Ability to help customize your hunger materials.
Free
PDS# 74-360-01-329
To help promote Cents-Ability and/or specific church or presbytery events. Blank space for your program name or message.
Free
PDS#74-360-01-326
Hunger-related prayers on table tents to use at church or presbytery meals.
10 for $5.00
PDS#74-360-01-325
For use at church or presbytery meals. Includes information on hunger and Cents-Ability.
50 for $5.00
PDS#74-360-01-324
Includes a brief history and explanation of Cents-Ability. Fits in #10 envelope.
Free
PDS#74-360-01-331
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