Houston Church Archives

A Houston church partners with World Vision to help the hungry and the farmers in need during the global pandemic.

Houston Church

Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas has partnered with World Vision and other local churches to distribute thousands of fresh food boxes to those in need. The Fresh Food Box Program started as the state shutdown began due to COVID-19. Hungry people in the community receive fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products from local farmers.

As the crisis continues, local farmers were suffering because they could not sell their produce due to the impact of coronavirus. Thus, Lakewood church and World Vision decided to help them as they also help hungry families.

“World Vision was in Houston for two years helping rebuild after Hurricane Harvey,” Reed Slattery, national director of World Vision U.S. programs, said. “We noticed how in need the area was. During the pandemic, we know folks aren’t working and food is one of the biggest needs, so we come alongside them and make sure families here have dinner.”

Fresh Food Box Program

Farmers supply the food to the megachurch twice a week. Then the foods are distributed to smaller churches and non-profit organizations. Since the state lockdown started a few months ago, Fresh Food Box has already distributed over 12,000 boxes.

According to Paul Osteen, Lakewood Church associate pastor, they were just doing what they needed to do to help.

“There are islands of food shortages all over the United States and they’re exacerbated by natural disasters and now the pandemic,” Paul said. “As followers of Jesus, we must have our hearts open for those who are hungry and in need. We’re doing everything we can as individuals and the Body of Christ.”

Extending Help

Pastor Paul also urged other Christians to help those who are in need in their own way.

“There’s 2,300 verses about helping widows, the hungry and the poor,” he said. “If you represent Jesus, you can’t just preach through words; you have to preach with your actions. When World Vision came to us, it fit what we were already doing, and what we’re doing is God-inspired.”

Reference: The Christian Post