Macon religious groups collect thousands of pounds for food bank|Seva|Diwali|

Описание: MACON, Ga. — Inside the Umiya Mataji Temple, boxes overflow with canned goods, cereal and non-perishable items. Across town at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, volunteers prepare meal boxes for Thanksgiving deliveries.

Two different faiths; One shared mission.

As food insecurity reaches heightened levels in Central Georgia due to inflation and the recent government shutdown, local religious communities are stepping up to help struggling families during the holiday season.

The Umiya Mataji Temple has collected 4,000 pounds of food for the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank. Temple Vice President Umang Patel says the effort reflects a core principle of Hinduism.

"The whole world is our family, so we treat each and every person as a family member," Patel said. "We don't differentiate between race or religion. We just want to serve the people."

The temple's food drive coincides with Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights celebrated in October. For 17-year-old temple member Meera Panchal, the timing holds special significance.

"We reflect on how light triumphs darkness, how knowledge triumphs ignorance, and how hope triumphs despair," Panchal said. "For us, selfless seva—selfless service—is service to divinity."

The concept of "seva" is central to Hindu practice, where serving humanity is considered one of the most sacred acts. Patel explains that in Hinduism, food donation, or "annadaan," is viewed as highly prestigious.

"Even our religious events, we collect food sponsors," Patel said. "In our recent nine-day festival, we fed almost 22,000 people in 10 days."

Across Macon, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church continues a tradition that spans four decades. Pastor Leon Ward learned the importance of feeding the hungry by watching his mother.

"My mother would cook cornbread and take it to families," Ward said. "I guess I had that pattern to follow."

On Thanksgiving Day, when Meals on Wheels closes, New Birth steps in to deliver hot meals to those who would otherwise go without. Church members cook plates at home and bring them to the church, where volunteers distribute them to addresses provided by Meals on Wheels.

"God gives you just enough faith to match the need," Ward said. "Nothing reaches the heart except what comes from the heart."

The church also maintains a year-round food pantry, providing boxes of groceries, canned goods and meat to families in need. Ward says the congregation follows up with recipients to ensure their needs have been met.

"Everyone can do something, no matter how little or how much one may have," Ward said.

The temple has committed to matching the community's donations pound-for-pound.

The Middle Georgia Community Food Bank accepts non-perishable food items and canned goods. Warner Robins' large government worker population has been particularly affected by recent federal shutdowns, increasing demand at local food pantries.