Delegates asked to fast during meeting

Money from 1 meal
sought to help society
feed Pittsburgh hungry

United Methodist News Service
The 998 delegates to the United Methodist legislative conference in Pittsburgh are being asked to give up one meal and donate the cost to help feed the city’s poor.
The General Commission on United Methodist Men and the Society of St. Andrew are calling on delegates to the April 27 to May 7 General Conference to forgo one meal during the first week of the session and contribute the estimated cost—$10—for relief of the hungry in the city and surrounding area.
“It is critical that while in session delegates are constantly thinking and praying about the poor in the city and around the world,” said the Rev. Joseph Harris, chief executive of the United Methodist Men’s commission. “It is important for us to not just be caught up in our issues but to keep our focus on whom God calls us to empower, which is the poor and hungry. This fast is intended to remind us of that.”
Donations are to be collected April 27 and 28 at the United Methodist Men’s display area outside the plenary hall of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The donations are to be delivered to the Society of St. Andrew, which will deliver a truckload or more of potatoes for distribution through the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
Delegates and United Methodist Men are to assist in the distribution. 
Each nickel donation is the equivalent of one pound of potatoes, according to the society, a United Methodist-related food gleaning ministry. When the potatoes are delivered, the world will see that “when United Methodists gather, ministry and mission are the inevitable result,” the organization said.
Nondelegates and others interested in participating in the fast or donating to the fight against hunger across the United States can send contributions to General Conference Fast, Society of St. Andrew, 3383 Sweet Hollow Road, Big Island, Va. 24526.
The Society of St. Andrew is a national Christian ministry that salvages fresh produce that remains after fields have been harvested and gives it to food banks, soup kitchens and related organizations. It is an Advance Special of the United Methodist Church, No. 801600.
The society’s “Meals for Millions Program” is supported by United Methodist Men and is also an Advance Special, No. 982225.