DOVE's and GDS "Lenten Lunches" to Support Local Food Insecurity  

DOVE volunteer providing sit-down service for individuals struggling with food insecurity.

Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are the three practices in Lent that help us to shift our gaze to Christ and his suffering. However, many families and individuals in Seton Hall's local community, and even on our campus, do not have the privilege of intentional fasting during this time. Food insecure families live every day in a constant fast. The Catholic Mission calls us to respond directly; "to create a society where the needs of the poor are always considered first."

DOVE and GDS are partnering to provide a daily opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to donate and fast this Lent. "Lenten Lunches" will take place each day at lunchtime in the Jubilee Café. Participants will bring either a physical or monetary donation of any size to the bin at the Café and receive a free soup lunch in exchange.

DOVE volunteers at IFPO

This opportunity provides some insight into the lives of individuals and families who struggle with food insecurity. They may not have control over the type of food they receive for any given meal. Reflecting on their struggles are yet another way to draw closer to God during this time of Lent.

These donations will go directly to soup kitchens and food pantries at which Seton Hall Students volunteer their time weekly through DOVE such as:

• St. John's Soup Kitchen
• Pierre Toussaint Food Pantry
• IFPO (Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges)
• Hillside Community FoodBank

DOVE volunteers at Hillside Community FoodBank

If you are interested in signing up as a volunteer for any of these locations please check out DOVE's Engage page here. or reach out to [email protected] for more information.

More information on DOVE's Lenten Food Drive and how to donate can be found here.

Categories: Campus Life, Faith and Service