Feeding Our Neighbors Grants

Feeding Our Neighbors emergency food grants

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“Feeding our Neighbors” emergency food grants provide up to $2,000 to assist United Methodist congregational food ministries, pantries and United Methodist ministry partners in the United States in their efforts to combat food insecurity in their communities.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty ...” Matthew 25:35

Feeding Our Neighbors emergency food grants have been made available through the United Methodist Voluntary Service Program. Approved grants will be dispersed within three weeks of approval to provide immediate support for local food ministries.  

Feeding Our Neighbors emergency food grant

  • How much are the grants?  $2,000 
  • How many are available? 50 grants  
  • Who can apply? United Methodist congregations with food ministries, pantries and ministry partners in the United States. 
  • When can I apply? Applications are open now through Dec. 15, 2025. 
UMCOR Campaigns

Six Years, No Solution: A 500-Gallon Tank Carries Hope to West Virginia’s Forgotten

McDowell County is one of the poorest in the U.S., and the communities of Anawalt, Leckie and Gary are some of the hardest hit by the current six-year water crisis. All have Methodist churches that are part of the Welch Charge.

To ease the burden of residents who have to purchase many gallons of drinking water weekly, the Welch Charge contacted the West Virginia Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Jim McCune, for help. McCune’s United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) connection put him in touch with Global Ministries’ Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program. 

A WASH grant allowed them to obtain a 500-gallon “water buffalo.” The conference disaster response team arranged to fill the portable water buffalo from the Welch water system, the county seat of McDowell, and transport it to Gary, where residents have been supplied with refillable containers. Residents of all three towns can come to get water, and volunteers will also continue deliveries for those who need it. Meanwhile, residents, including church members, continue to advocate state and local officials for a permanent solution to their aging, compromised water infrastructure. Full Story