Workshop unites people of faith to address hunger

March 14, 2026 -- Hard times call us to come together in faith to address hunger in our communities. For Christians who take seriously the call to feed the hungry, this is a difficult time. Food insecurity is on the rise, locally and across the globe. Federal legislation has put anti-hunger programs at risk. But even now, people of faith can be part of the solution: not only by our acts of mercy, but also by working for justice and raising our voices in the halls of power. Together, we have what it takes to rise to this challenge.

At the Southwest Pennsylvania Bread for the World Team's "Rising to the Challenge: Bread for the World Hunger Advocacy Workshop," hosted by the Sisters of Divine Providence Social Justice Department at Kearns Spirituality Center, approximately 51 participants came together in faith to address hunger in our communities. An all-star lineup of speakers helped participants understand the complexities and possibilities of our current environment:

• Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding explored the impact of HR 1 ("the Big, Beautiful Bill") on hunger in our commonwealth.
• The Rev. Heather Taylor, Managing Director of Bread for the World, shared the organization's strategies for advocacy and key legislative priorities.
• A panel of local experts -- including : Lisa Scales, President & CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank; Ann Sanders, Director of Public Benefits Policy & Programs at Just Harvest; and Dawn Plummer, Director of the Pennsylvania Food Policy Council -- explored the shape of hunger in our own neighborhoods.

The workshop concluded with table discussions, writing letters to Congress to advocate for a hunger-free world and a closing devotional. For more photos, visit https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCNoDj.

(Pictured far right: Sr. Carol Stenger, CDP)