By Thea Jarvis

Christians Against Hunger in Georgia, Inc., is a non-profit advocacy network that seeks to educate state and federal legislators and the community at large to the needs of the hungry in our state.

In its own words, the group is dedicated to “informed action and long term commitment rather than simple answers and short term emotionalism.”

According to Jackie Andrews, secretary of CAHIG, “The legal standard of need for Aid to Families with Dependent Children is based on the 1969 cost of living index. Christians Against Hunger was able to raise state funding from 75% to 85% of this standard in 1980.”

What CAHIG is after, however, is adoption by the Georgia Department of Human Resources of a current, more realistic standard of need.

“The 1969 cost of living obviously no longer applies,” says Ms. Andrews.

The CAHIC network attempts to explode welfare myths, particularly at a time when ethnic minorities are no longer the average welfare recipients.

“We live in a time when increasing unemployment is making hunger a reality for middle class and minorities alike. It is, unfortunately, the children who suffer most deeply when help is not forthcoming,” according to Ms. Andrews.

Adults suffer, too, however, as indicated by Jackie Andrews’ tale of a middle class widow who was too proud to reach out for help.

“This lady lived in a comfortable home in a comfortable neighborhood. She had eaten nothing for days, but, because of her pride, she felt she could not go to her church for help.”

Neighbors finally stepped in with the needed food for this woman, but Ms. Andrews feels that the churches will have to become more involved in the hunger issue.

“Churches need to raise their level of consciousness about hunger, especially with more and more people out of work.”

Within the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, Mrs. Andrews cites Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan and Mrs. Ruth Maguire as being particularly supportive in such consciousness-raising.

“Holy Family Church in Marietta, where Father John Mulroy is the pastor, is also quite active in focusing on hunger needs.”

What can other churches do? Christians Against Hunger in Georgia suggests the following:

-- Increase supplies in the church food pantry. Be ready to care for more people and be open at convenient times. Give enough food to really provide for needs.

-- If your church has room, consider a community garden where food can be grown to supply those in need.

-- Advocate church support for an area food bank where larger community resources could meet wider hunger needs.

(For more information on Christians Against Hunger in Georgia, call 404/588/1458.)