Synod Hunger Ministry

Through generous gifts of congregations and individuals to the SEMN Synod global ministry funds, the people of the SEMN Synod are responding to Jesus' call to "feed the hungry" and "give drink to the thirsty" throughout local and international communities!

Quick Links:

Local Ministries

(Southeastern Minnesota)
  • $500 grants to support SEMN Synod congregations to alleviate food insecurity within local communities
  • Sponsored by the SEMN Hunger Team and Global Ministry Table since 2021
  • Grants made possible through designated gifts to the SEMN Synod Hunger Fund
  • Applications available in early June via RC Weekly and semnsynod.org/HungerGrants
  • For select communities within the United States
  • Highly competitive grants provided by the ELCA World Hunger
  • Grants made possible through gifts designated for ELCA World Hunger
  • Applications are available each spring via RC Weekly

International Ministries

(Central Diocese of Tanzania)
  • The ugali project provides patients living with terminal illness palatable nutrition packets made of maize grown in local communities
  • Supplies of rice and maize are provided to hunter-gatherer tribal groups facing hunger due to climate change and land development
  • Scholarship funds given to Lutheran schools help feed children who have limited access to nutritious food

People living in rural villages and areas of the Central Diocese have limited access to clean drinking water. The SEMN Synod partners with the Central Diocese to bring fresh water to communities through:

  • Well-digging projects
  • Installation of fresh water holding systems
  • Dispensary (rural clinic) renovation

Hunger and clean water initiatives are made possible through designated gifts to Tanzania Undesignated Fund.

Funding Opportunities

Are you interested in feeding hungry people in local or international communities?
Or ensuring that children have access to clean drinking water?

Consider a gift to:

  • SEMN Synod Food Ministry Grant: Feed people throughout the synod by providing funds for annual grants awarded to local food ministries.
  • Tanzania Undesignated: Provide food and clean water in rural schools and communities throughout the Central Diocese of Tanzania—a global companion of the SEMN Synod.
  • Global Ministry: Your dollars will be used to meet the most emergent food insecurity needs, whether local or international.

Financial Giving

Ways to donate to any of these ministries:

Office of the Bishop Contact Person: