The Office of International Visitors at the U.S. Department of State has recognized First United Methodist Church’s outreach ministry, Serving the Hungry, for its outstanding generosity and commitment to international engagement through volunteerism.
For the past 16 years, Serving the Hungry has welcomed hundreds of participants from the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the premier professional exchange program of the U.S. Department of State. As these international visitors travel to Northwest Florida to learn about American culture and civic life, Serving the Hungry has provided them with a unique, hands-on experience of U.S. community service.
In many cultures, the concept of “volunteering” is unfamiliar or even linguistically absent. Through their involvement with Serving the Hungry, these visitors gain valuable insight into how Americans engage with their communities, often rolling up their sleeves to help serve meals to those in need.
“We’re so grateful that the Office of International Visitors has recognized a valuable pillar of our community,” said Eden Davenport, Program Coordinator at Gulf Coast Diplomacy. “Every meal served together is an opportunity for the exchange participants to give back to a community that has shown them so much hospitality. Serving the Hungry bridges across cultures and showcases the spirit of giving that defines our community.”
This acknowledgment from the Office of International Visitors highlights the vital role local organizations play in advancing citizen diplomacy and fostering global understanding.
(l-r) Katie Ramsey of Serving the Hungry and Sandra Jacobs of the Office of International Visitors