After packing literally hundreds of thousands of meals and other supplies during their annual Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive each summer, St. Matthew parishioners box up everything, pray over their work, then load up multiple shipping containers that are sent abroad to help people in need. (File photo provided by St. Matthew Parish)CHARLOTTE — The Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive, an anti-hunger and outreach campaign organized by St. Matthew Parish each summer, kicks off July 13-14.
The campaign aims to combat global hunger through a series of events and initiatives that provide food, sustainability projects and education to people in need both locally and globally. This year’s fundraising goal is $340,000, and the campaign will culminate Aug. 10 with a meal-packing event for at least 300,000 pounds of food and critical supplies.
A primary area of focus for the annual campaign is supporting the people of Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world.
The past year has been particularly challenging for the people of Haiti because of rising gang violence and political instability that has exacerbated inflation, hunger and disease. However, last year’s shipment of seven containers of food from the Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive successfully reached those in need, organizers noted.
This year’s campaign will help the Missionaries of the Poor in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, as well as the non-profit organization Hands for Haiti.
Funds raised will help the Missionaries of the Poor continue to raise chickens, tilapia, pigs, and goats to feed people sustainably. They also distribute meals that have been packed during the Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive and provide a home and medical care for those marginalized by society.
The campaign will also help support St. Marc School, a Christian faith-based institution in Tremesse that has educated over 375 students from pre-kindergarten through secondary school since 2010. Students receive a hot lunch daily – often their only nutritious meal. A sewing trade school is now operational, with plans to expand and include an agricultural school.
The fundraising aspect of the campaign also supports children at a parish in Venezuela and boys at a hostel in India.
Locally, the campaign supports food banks in the Charlotte area.
Named in honor of Monsignor John J. McSweeney for his long-standing support of social justice and humanitarian efforts, the drive continues to alleviate hunger and improve lives worldwide. Monsignor McSweeney, who celebrates the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood this year, continues to motivate the parish community.
Over the past 21 years, the Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive has helped provide more than 4.4 million pounds of food and medical supplies. The meal-packing effort alone has produced more than 3.7 million packaged meals, distributed primarily in Haiti and the local community. Volunteers have dedicated 48,000 service hours to support those in need.
Father John Allen, parochial administrator, said, “We are calling on everyone in our community to join us in this critical mission. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those suffering from hunger.”
— Catholic News Herald
Want to help?
Donate to the Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive effort at www.stmatthewcatholic.org/worldhungerdrive.