2¢ a Meal is a Presbyterian Mission agency strategy for raising awareness - - and funds - - for the fight against hunger. It originated in 1976 as "Two-Cents-A-Meal," a project begun by Presbyterian Women to involve individuals and families in a corporate response to world hunger. Over the years, presbyteries have developed similar programs entitled Pennies for Hunger, Nickle-A-Meal, etc. Many of these programs benefit local hunger ministries as well as the national and international projects of the Presbyterian Hunger Program. (PHP).
2¢ a Meal is a small first step in the battle against hunger and poverty. Congregations invite every member - - of all ages - - to contribute a few cents at every meal. This simple act is an expression of thanks for what we have received. It is also a commitment to share with others in response to Jesus' command "You give them something to eat." When members bring their offerings to church on the appointed Sunday, all of those coins "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" as they are received and dedicated.
These small acts of faithfulness can add up: One hundred persons in a congregation will contribute $180 a month at two cents a meal. That's $2,160 dollars a year!
Crosswinds has particpated in the Cents-Ability program since it founding. in 2005, the Two-Cents-A-Meal offering at Crosswinds was renamed the Beth Bard Two-Cents-A-Meal Offering in memory of Beth Bard and her dedication to the work of Crosswinds, and particularly her desire to reach out to the hungry. The offering is designed to remind members to be thankful for the food which they are able to eat regularly, and to help those who are not so blessed. The congregation is asked to set aside 2 cents for every meal they eat, so their monthly total can be given to the special offering collected on the third Sunday of each month. These funds are then set aside to be used by the Mission Committee, primarily for Family Promise. The 2-Cents-A-Meal offering is collected the 3rd Sunday of each month.
Nattionally the program is now called Cents-Ability. Learn more at http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/hunger/what-cents-ability/
