Dear Friends!

In prior years our family participated in the annual Harvest Walk to raise funds for HOPE Worldwide. This year it is different in two aspects. First it is not a Harvest Walk anymore, because it takes place in the spring on May 22nd and it is now called “Walk for Hope”. Second, while Hope Worldwide does many domestic and international projects, this fund raiser is especially for the Framingham food pantry.

Today, thousands of people in Massachusetts and millions across the United States, experience hunger because they cannot afford adequate food. Local families are struggling even more this year to put food on the table because of the economic struggles and the high cost of living in the state.

Some populations are at a greater risk for hunger than others. The most vulnerable among us—children, elders, families, and immigrants—have been devastated by the impact of widespread unemployment, foreclosures, and skyrocketing health care costs.

• When children are hungry, they are more likely to get sick, miss school and struggle to learn. They can’t catch up as easily after common childhood illnesses and they can’t grow to their full potential.
• When seniors are hungry, they are more likely to be hospitalized and to have chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. They may be reluctant to ask for help and end up choosing between purchasing food and medicine.
• Latinos in low-income communities suffer high rates of food insecurity and hunger, and are also under utilizing food resources such as SNAP/food stamps.

The 2010 Status Report on Hunger in revealed that over 660,000 people in are at risk for hunger—a 20% increase over the previous year. Our pantry has seen a similar increase in need over the past year!

Please have a look at HOPE Worldwide's web page at http://www.hopeww.org/, to learn more about HOPE Worldwide. One of the amazing things about Hope is that the organization generates over $20 dollars for every $1 donated through partnerships with governments and businesses world wide. So every dollar of your giving has a much greater impact! Also administrative costs are low - 87% of all funds go directly to programs.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support our fund-raising efforts.

Thank you so much for helping those in need by helping us reach our donation goal!
Christian, Suzie & Flo

Leviticus 25:35-36
If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. Do not take interest of any kind from him, but fear your God, so that your countryman may continue to live among you.