Church sends meals to local pantries

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Buffalo is trying to make sure that children don't go hungry, even if is only for a little while.

Jeremiah Smith, the Director of Youth Ministry says, "20% of children in the area are food insecure. So that means they don't necessarily know where their next meal is coming from. So it's a huge need that we really overlook here in America."

There was quite the assembly line at the event. 70 volunteers put together 20-thousand meals will be disbursed to several local pantries through the Food Bank of Western New York.

Reverend Lee Miller from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church says, "The need here in Buffalo is great. Holy Trinity Church sits right on Main St. with families who are living in poverty and on one side and families who might have more on the table. So it's a real opportunity for those who have something to share with those who have less."

Of the 20-thousand meals put together, 15-thousand of those will stay right here in Erie County. The 5-thousand others will be traveling downstate to Long Island to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Being the Holiday season, giving is typically on the minds of people this time of year. But instead of just handing over canned goods, the pastor of the church says this gives parishioners the opportunity to be fully immersed.

"Today is an amazing event because it gives us an opportunity to put words into action. We believe that God will love us in some way that will put some future time or a future relationship that God would be active right here and right now. So we believe this is a way to put our faith into action and move our congregations in a way to receive the word and share in a meal and worship and to be able to share a meal with families who are really in need," Miller said.