A strategy for raising awareness — and funds — for the fight against hunger
Cents-Ability is a small first step in the battle against hunger and poverty. Congregations invite every member — of all ages — to contribute a few cents at every meal. This simple act is an expression of thanks for what we have received. It is also a commitment to share with others in response to Jesus’ command “You give them something to eat.” When members bring their offerings to church on the appointed Sunday, all of those coins “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” as they are received and dedicated.
These small acts of faithfulness can add up: One hundred persons in a congregation will contribute $180 a month at two cents a meal. That’s $2,160 dollars a year. A 30,000-member presbytery has the potential of raising over $1.6 million annually at a nickle a meal.
Cents-Ability originated in 1976 as “Two-Cents-A-Meal,” a project begun by Presbyterian Women to involve individuals and families in a corporate response to world hunger. Over the years, presbyteries have developed similar programs entitled Pennies for Hunger, Nickle-A-Meal, etc. Many of these programs benefit local hunger ministries as well as the national and international projects of the Presbyterian Hunger Program. (PHP).
PHP has developed a series of Cents-Ability resources to help presbyteries and congregations begin and expand hunger education and fund-raising programs. These include posters, banks, placemats, prayer table tents and a notebook full of suggestions and program models. Order resources online (below), or contact the Presbyterian Distribution Center by phone at (800) 524-2612.
2014 Cents-Ability and General Hunger Projects
Read about where Cents-Ability and General (H999999) funds raised for the Presbyterian Hunger Program were designated for 2014. The resource contains short descriptions of types of work, organizations and amounts funded.
Cents-Ability and General Hunger Fund Stories
Everyday lives are directly impacted as a result of the work of our partners around the world. This work is supported, in part, by Cents-Ability (H000107) and General Hunger (H999999) funds raised for the Presbyterian Hunger Program. Meet Pierre, Lovely and Rueben and use these story cards to promote Cents-Ability in your congregation today!
Download the Cents-Ability packet
Use these Cents-Ability materials to help presbyteries and congregations begin and expand hunger education and fund-raising programs.
- Brochure
Includes a brief history and explanation of Cents-Ability. Fits in #10 envelope. Order from the Church Store or download and print the brochure. - Customizable Bulletin Insert
Reproducible sheet with space for congregation or presbytery information. - Can Wrapper
Reproducible design to cover various size cans for use in Cents-Ability offerings. - Logos
Reproducible sheet of various logos used in conjunction with or instead of Cents-Ability to help customize your hunger materials. Order from the Church Store. - Notebook
Information on how to initiate and implement a Cents-Ability program.
Other materials
Offering Banks
Plastic cups with a slot for coins. Great for using at church dinners, at home on the kitchen table, or in Sunday School classes; can be re-used. $8.00 for pack of 10, order from the Church Store, PDS# 2543214321
Poster
To help promote Cents-Ability and/or specific church or presbytery events. Blank space for your program name or message. Free, order from the Church Store, PDS#7436001326
Table Tents
Hunger-related prayers on table tents to use at church or presbytery meals. 10 for $5.00, order from the Church Store, PDS#74-36001325