We are called to transform our perspective on food—from food as a commodity to food as a right for all.

A conservation agriculture demonstration sponsored by the National Council of Churches in Kenya, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya
A conservation agriculture demonstration sponsored by the National Council of Churches in Kenya, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya
Credit: Peter Vinet/The United Church of Canada

What We Believe

Share your food with hungry people.
Provide homeless people with a place to stay.
Give naked people clothes to wear.
Provide for the needs of your own family.
Then the light of my blessing will shine on you like the rising sun.
—Isaiah 58:7-8 (NIRV)

Access to food is a basic right, and global food systems should be about ensuring that everyone has enough to eat, no matter where they live and how they produce food—from subsistence plots to large-scale farms. Unfortunately, erratic weather patterns caused by climate change, conflict, and growing inequality around the world means that accessing food is becoming increasingly difficulty for the most vulnerable.

In 2013, the United Church adopted a commitment to food sovereignty as a framework to help foster more just food systems in Canada and around the world (search “food sovereignty” on United Church Commons). Food sovereignty centres on the idea that broken relationships must be rebuilt, including relationships between people and the land, as well as those between producers and consumers. At the same time, it calls us to transform our perspective on food—from food as a commodity to food as a right for all.

What You Can Do

Observe World Food Day and World Food Sunday

Logo: UN World Food Day
By promoting food sovereignty, the United Church supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal 2—Zero Hunger
Credit: © FAO 2019 World Food Day

World Food Day is observed on October 16 and World Food Sunday is celebrated on the third Sunday in October. Download the bulletin insert Addressing Global Hunger (below) for a prayer and more information for your congregation. Complete worship services, prayers, and other related materials are available on the Food Worship Resources page.

Celebrate Food in Worship

Reflect on food and food sovereignty through worship and prayer on World Food Sunday and at other points in the church year, including

Donate

  • Donate to Mission & Service to help support global partners working in international relief and development, as well as those addressing hunger eradication.
  • Gifts with Vision allows you to provide extra support for specific Mission & Service partner activities. These gifts go above and beyond the regular core funding these partners receive. There are several food-related gifts available.

Reflection and Learning

The Work of Partners

Many United Church global partners work to address issues of food security. Here are some of the ways partners are involved.

For more information, contact:

Thi Van Hoang
Program Coordinator, Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Response
thoang@united-church.ca
416-231-7680 x2758
1-800-268-3781 x2758

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