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March 5, 2008

Bread for the World taking applications for ‘Hunger Justice Leaders’

Those selected will promote efforts to fight hunger and poverty

by Evan Silverstein
Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE – Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) partner Bread for the World is encouraging people between the ages of 18-35 to join the fight against hunger and poverty by applying to become “Hunger Justice Leaders.”

These advocates, who will be part of a newly established program, will work in partnership with the Christian anti-hunger group to promote efforts in their own churches, communities and across college campuses that take aim at eradicating hunger and poverty.

But only the “best and brightest” candidates will be selected to join the first ever class of Hunger Justice Leaders, according to a recent “Bread” press release announcing the new program.

Successful candidates will be notified of their selection by April 1.

Those selected will receive all-expense paid training in Washington, DC in June where they will interact with premier organizing and issue experts, connect with other leaders from across the country and hone skills to become an “inspiring organizer,” the press release said.

“We’re looking for the best and brightest advocates,” said the Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. “They’ll gain great skills and at the same time be working to make the world a better place for people struggling to feed their families. It’s a win-win situation.”

The initiative has the support of a number of religious denominations and denominational agencies, the press release said.

Bread for the World is a lobbying group based in Washington, DC. The 58,000-member non-partisan organization is supported by 2,300 churches and more than 45 denominations and church agencies, including the PC(USA) and the Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP). The group lobbies Congress and the administration for public-policy changes to address the root causes of hunger and poverty in the United States and abroad.