LDS Youth ‘Light the World’ by helping to feed the hungry

Updated on December 17, 2022
by Janene Nielsen

Teens from the Oakmont congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spent the first afternoon of their Christmas break at Feed My Starving Children making ‘Manna Packs’ to help feed the hungry half a world away.

Teens and youth leaders from the Oakmont Congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints pause before rolling up their sleeves in service to Feed My Starving Children. Photo courtesy of Mark Erickson.

“Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) believes hope starts with food. As a Christian nonprofit, FMSC is dedicated to seeing every child whole in body and spirit. FMSC works with food distribution partners that stay with communities for the long haul, empowering them to move from relief to development,” states the FMSC website.

Each Manna Pack consists of rice, soy, dried vegetables, and a nutritionally complete blend of vitamins and minerals.

*A ballerina ornament is one of the many goods available in FMSC MarketPlace*.

The teens packed 79 boxes, equaling 17,064 meals, which will feed 46 children a year. The boxes are destined for the Dominican Republic, each meal costing less than 25 cents.

“What I thought was cool about Feed My Starving Children is that it’s an organization that is really connected with the people it helps. At the Richardson location, there’s a gift shop with handmade goods from the countries served. There are so many ways you can volunteer: you can physically pack the food, you can buy goods in their shop, or simply donate money. $88 dollars feeds one child for a year.”

“[FMSC] is my favorite charity to serve at,” said young women’s leader Katie Morphew. “It was especially gratifying to work alongside the youth as part of Light the World. We were all humbled as we were reminded that each small pouch we filled was an impoverished child’s entire day’s meal. When we finished and got to pray over all of the meal pouches. the amount of light and love in the room was palpable.”

*Oakmont Ward teens work to fill the FMSC manna packs accurately and safely. Photo by Mark Erickson.*

“It was a great way to kick off the Christmas season with service. The teens left directly from school after taking their finals with no time for a break or lunch and served happily and with enthusiasm,” said Emma Ray.

“We try to give our youth experiences that are engaging and fun, and that help them become more like our Savior. Our youth embrace service activities willingly, and I have found that their spirits are always lifted, bringing them together in ways we could never plan or anticipate,” said Bishop Mark Erickson.

The Oakmont Ward (congregation) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is located at 4501 Teasley Lane in Denton, Texas. Sunday meetings currently begin at 12:30 pm. Find a Church of Jesus Christ near you HERE.