Charity with Strings

“Handing out food is big business. Last year, Feeding America topped Forbes’ list of America’s largest charities, with $4.36 billion in revenue. And the organization proudly touts staggering numbers. Its 2023 annual report highlighted its role in providing 5.3 billion meals through its network of food banks and pantries. But the millions of pounds of food distributed to local ministries and their hungry clients come with strings—a list of rules and regulations that make it difficult for ministries to help people in long-term, life-changing ways. The rules are designed to protect those seeking help but in reality they mostly help ensure food banks never run out of clients.” – Addie Offereins