Recognizing the pressing issue of hunger and food insecurity in Laurens County, Reverend Gray Stallworth, Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Laurens, is spearheading an initiative to form the Laurens County Hunger Coalition. This coalition aims to raise awareness about food insecurity and address hunger within the community. The immediate goals are to bring together various food ministries, identify existing services, and pinpoint any service gaps within the county.

In 2023, the Food Bank at First United Methodist Church (FUMC) purchased approximately half of the food distributed to clients, while the other half was donated by church members and loyal community supporters. Many local food banks and pantries rely heavily on canned food donations from the public.

Pastor Stallworth emphasized the importance of community involvement in tackling hunger: “Our mission is to ensure that no one in Laurens County goes to bed hungry. By bringing together various food ministries and identifying service gaps, we can make a significant impact on reducing food insecurity.”

The Hunger Coalition is open to any organization or ministry operating a food service to the public in Laurens County. An inaugural meeting will be held at First United Methodist Church (244 West Main Street, Laurens) on Wednesday, June 5, at 11 AM. During this meeting, representatives will have the opportunity to describe their services and identify all available resources. The discussion will also focus on potential service gaps that need addressing.

For more information, contact Reverend Gray Stallworth at 864-984-7696 or via email at [email protected].

By uniting efforts and resources, the Laurens County Hunger Coalition aims to create a stronger, more coordinated response to hunger, ensuring that every resident has access to the food they need.