ATLANTA – Following an overwhelming response to its November 2025 Feeding Our Neighbors grant program, the General Board of Global Ministries is relaunching the initiative in 2026 with a revised application and granting structure.
For the 2026 grant cycle, applications will be accepted from United Methodist annual conferences rather than local congregations. Global Ministries will award up to 10 grants of $20,000 each to conferences across the denomination’s five U.S. jurisdictions. Conferences may apply on behalf of local congregations or establish their own process for distributing funds to eligible ministries within their annual conference.
Originally launched in November 2025, Feeding Our Neighbors awarded 150 grants to United Methodist-affiliated food pantries and ministries serving communities experiencing food insecurity. Hundreds of applications were received within the program’s first month, highlighting both the urgent need for hunger relief support and the strong commitment of United Methodists responding in their local communities.
“The response to Feeding Our Neighbors made clear that United Methodist churches are deeply engaged in feeding ministries and committed to caring for their neighbors,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary of the general boards of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry. “As hunger and economic uncertainty continue affecting families across the country, we remain committed to supporting ministries that provide nourishment, dignity, and hope.”
The revised structure is intended to streamline administration while ensuring broader geographic distribution of resources and stronger coordination of efforts. Annual conferences are encouraged to prioritize support for both rural and urban congregations operating established food pantries and feeding ministries within local churches.
Dr. Dana Lyles, executive director of Multiethnic Ministries for Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry, said the relaunch reflects both the scale of need and the importance of partnership across the church.
“Feeding ministries continue to serve as a vital lifeline for many families facing rising food costs and economic instability,” Lyles said. “By partnering with annual conferences, we can strengthen connections across communities and support ministries already doing critical work to address hunger.”
Grant funds must be used for established, United Methodist-affiliated food pantries in churches. Funds may not be used for donations to outside nonprofit organizations, including national hunger-relief agencies, personnel expenses, appliance purchases, or utility costs associated with ministry operations.
The application window opened June 1, and annual conferences have received detailed instructions regarding how to participate in the program. Learn more about Global Ministries’ food security efforts here.
Media Contacts:
Susan Clark
Chief Communications Officer
Communications@umcmission.org
Dana Lyles
Executive Director, Multiethnic Ministries
mem@umcmission.org
