Bishops’ RAGBRAI Funds Granted for Anti-Hunger Ministries

In the summer of 2023, the three Iowa Bishops sought to raise money for hunger in Iowa and worldwide by riding RAGBRAI. Not only did the Bishops meet their goal of raising $50,000 for ELCA World Hunger but thanks to the generous donations of individuals and congregations, they exceeded it, raising more than $90,000. ELCA World Hunger received the gift of $50,000. The three Iowa synods are splitting the additional $40k to support anti-hunger ministries in our synods.

In the fall of 2023, the Southeastern Iowa Synod offered an open application for ministries to apply for a grant to support anti-hunger ministries. More than 25 organizations applied. The projects ranged from community food pantries, senior food boxes, backpack food programs, community meals, and garden projects. Ultimately the Southeastern Iowa Synod Council selected 12 ministries that were able to receive more than $14,000 in grant funding to fight hunger in Southeastern Iowa.

Bishop Amy Curent said of the project, “Thank you for your generous support of the Bishops’ RAGBRAI ride against hunger and all the ministry you and your congregation do to fight hunger in Iowa and around the world. I am grateful for people responding to our call to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and to feed the hungry. I look forward to sharing the stories of these anti-hunger ministries around the synod."

Organizations that were granted anti-hunger funds:

• Grace Lutheran Church, Adel

• Lutheran Services in Iowa

• St. Paul Lutheran Church, Anamosa

• St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids

• Resurrection Lutheran Church, Ankeny

• St. Peter Lutheran Church, Grimes

• Peace Lutheran Church, Pella

• St. John Lutheran Church, Olin

• St. John Lutheran Church Grinnell

• Faith United Church of Christ, Muscatine

• Elim Lutheran Church, Marshalltown

• Waukee Area Christian Services