2 Cents a Meal Club
Motivate congregational members to grow in discipleship by addressing the dilemma of world hunger. Encourage persons to join the "2 Cents a Meal Club" through which they commit themselves to set aside 2 cents for every meal eaten for world hunger.
BEST SUITED FOR: Any Size Congregation
WHAT'S INVOLVED?
 | Challenge persons to "sign-up" for the "2 Cents a Meal Club." |
| The covenant—as they "join" the club—is as follows: that each member of the family contribute 2 cents for every meal eaten. This money in turn goes towards alleviating world hunger. |
| Encourage participating members to keep a 2 Cents a Meal container on their kitchen or dining room table. |
| Provide special "My 2 Cents Worth" labels so persons can make their own containers out of soup cans. |
| Consider these ideas as well: |
Encouraging Sunday school classes to keep a larger "My 2 Cents Worth" container in the classroom adding to it regularly as a part of the class agenda.
Setting aside a regular time in the worship service (perhaps monthly) where "My 2 Cents Worth" donations can be brought forward and dedicated.
| A congregation might have a regular "party" after receiving "2 Cents a Meal Club" donations at which they count and package piles of pennies. |
DO'S AND DON'TS
| DO...consider "lifting up" various adaptations of the 2 cents a meal idea. For example, encouraging persons to: |
Skip a meal once a week (or more frequently) and contribute the cost savings to global hunger.
Eat a low-cost meatless meal once a week and give away or set aside the cost savings.
Sell a portion of their garden crop and donate the proceeds. One congregation does this on a group basis, calling it the "hunger stopper project."
There are many kinds of events and sales that could be considered to help a youth group or Sunday school class become involved. A beginning list might include: a benefit convert or musical event; a marathon athletic event; an auction; a lawn carnival; a car wash; recycling aluminum cans; sale of a product.
| DO...keep in mind how pennies add up. In a congregation of 100 persons there are approximately 2,100 meals eaten in a week’s time. If each one shared 2 cents a meal over $40.00 would be shared in the first week and over $2,000 in a year! |
| DO...also keep in mind the educational benefits of the 2 cents a meal project. By encouraging individuals, families and Sunday school classes to participate regularly, the needs of the homeless and other hungry persons are kept before the congregation. Over time, an important impact is felt in nurturing the sense of caring in children and adults. |
UPGRADE
You might consider upgrading this idea to a "Nickel a Meal Club," suggesting five cents instead of two cents per person per meal. This would generate over $50 per person per year.
RESOURCES NEEDED
| "My 2 Cents Worth" labels for use on soup cans (can be made by hand or on your computer). |
| "My 2 Cents Worth" offering envelopes (to facilitate special offerings). |
COST: Minimal
More Ideas That Work