Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona

08/23/2026

Have you seen the latest?

Feeding America released the annual Map the Meal Gap report this month, detailing that hunger is still on the rise nationally. In Arizona, hunger has increased by a rate of .05%.

Map the Meal Gap has been released each year since 2011 using the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Household Food Security Report. As of 2025, that report was defunded on the basis that the data was "subjective."

Which means the most recent information we have on food insecurity in the U.S. is data collected in 2024.

Needless to say, data from 2024 is...outdated, at best.

At worst, it's dangerously irrelevant.

And while it's important to know that hunger was already on the rise, it's just as important to remember: Things have changed, and not necessarily for the better.

Do what you can today to end hunger in 2026: Head to linktr.ee/azfoodbanks to donate, subscribe to email alerts, or read the Map the Meal Gap report.

08/19/2026

The latest episode of "Ethics Spotlight: The Podcast of the Journal of Lutheran Ethics" examines Christian nationalism.

08/19/2026

As Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections narrow for many longtime U.S. residents, LAMA urges Arizona advocates to speak up for neighbors facing family separation, job loss, and return to unsafe conditions.
lamaz.org/news-blog/tps-update-whats-happening-why-it-matters-in-arizona-and-what-advocates-can-do

As TPS protections narrow for many longtime U.S. residents, LAMA urges Arizona advocates to speak up for neighbors facing family separation, job loss, and return to unsafe conditions.

08/19/2026

Save the date! On Saturday, November 14th, the Grand Canyon Synod (ELCA)’s Growing in Faith Program will host a special symposium this fall exploring faithful Christian witness in a time of division, fear and rising nationalism. At American Lutheran Church Sun City, AZ

Save the date! On Saturday, November 14th, the Grand Canyon Synod’s Growing in Faith Program will host a special symposium this fall exploring faithful Christian witness in a time of division, fear and rising nationalism.

08/19/2026

Arizona Corporation Commission may be one of the least understood offices on the ballot, but its decisions affect utility bills, water service, energy policy, consumer protection, and the daily well-being of Arizona neighbors. Learn more!

Arizona’s Corporation Commission may be one of the least understood offices on the ballot, but its decisions affect utility bills, water service, energy policy, consumer protection, and the daily well-being of Arizona neighbors.

08/19/2026

The Grand Canyon Synod (ELCA) Grant application window closes no later than midnight on Friday, September 25, 2026. Funds support specific new or continuing projects that advance goals in the GCS Strategic Plan. Apply now!

The Grand Canyon Synod Grant application window closes no later than midnight on Friday, September 25, 2026. Funds support specific new or continuing projects that advance goals in the GCS Strategic Plan.

08/18/2026

Grateful to represent the Grand Canyon Synod (ELCA) on the Arizona Faith Network board.

Last Friday, our AFN Board gathered for a meaningful day of reflection, relationship-building, dreaming, and planning for the future!
Together, we imagined what Arizona could look like in 2030 and identified key strategic priorities to guide AFN’s next chapter. Grateful for a Board willing to dream boldly about what we can accomplish together. As was shared, "Joy is oxygen for the long haul and joy is working together for a stronger Arizona."

08/13/2026

Feeding two birds with one seed 🍊 In Fiscal Year 2026, AzFBN's Friends of the Farm program connected 111 Arizona growers and producers directly with Arizona food banks.

🤝That means Arizonans who needed a little help also had nutritious and diverse options for produce, eggs, dairy, and meat. At the same time, local farms gain a reliable market that pays a living wage.

👩‍🌾The Farmer Development Series launched in the last year, too, to further help farmers grow! Learn more about how to participate and apply as a producer for the second term by September 30th at linktr.ee/azfoodbanks.