Episcopalian Receives Anti-hunger Award
Episcopal News Service. November 14, 1985 [85228]
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (DPS, Nov. 14) -- When the "Help End Hunger" stamp was issued by the United States Postal Service in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 15, the day before World Food Day, Mary Hardison of St. John's Episcopal Church, here, was the only Episcopalian among the ten Americans receiving Certificates for Distinguished Service from the House Select Committee on Hunger.
Designed by artist Jerry Pinkney, the 22-cent stamp shows the faces of three thin, haggard people of different ages and races. In his letter inviting Hardison to the ceremony, Rep. Mickey Leland, chairman of the House select Committee on Hunger, said "To introduce a stamp bearing the legend 'Help End Hunger' without presenting representatives of how help has been given would be a lost opportunity. Your example has been an inspiration, and it is a pleasure to recognize individuals who have made a difference."
Hardison, who flew to Washington for the ceremony, has served for eight years, with her husband, the Rev. Jim Hardison, as coordinator for the Tallahassee chapter of Bread for the World, a national group working to alleviate poverty and hunger through citizen advocacy campaigns. Under their leadership, the chapter has grown from 25 members to nearly 100, with an age range of from 19 to 75. For the last year, they have also served as diocesan hunger coordinators for the Episcopal Diocese of Florida.
Hardison says that she and her husband have emphasized advocacy because that is an area they feel is frequently overlooked, despite the fact that one piece of legislation can have an impact on millions of lives. However, in their presentations to church and other groups, they offer a multi-faceted approach of prayer, study, education, direct relief, and giving (of both time and money) as well as advocacy. She said they encourage people to start with one area, and to recognize that the problem is "not so large that they can't do something." She added that an individual approach is important: "The elderly, college students -- each have unique things they can do... We try to help people see that it's not a duty but a privilege to become part of the hope for the hungry."
The couple also helped expand the Shop and Share program, which provides collection bins in Tallahassee grocery stores which shoppers fill with an average of 900 cans of donated food each month. Local churches take month-long turns distributing the groceries to food pantries and soup kitchens in the area.
The Congressional award sparked a "Thank You" editorial, directed to Mary, personally, by the Tallahassee Democrat-- the first time in the newspaper's history anyone has been so honored. The Rt. Rev. Frank S. Cerveny, Bishop of Florida, added his congratulations in a letter written at the time of the ceremony, commending Hardison as "an important servant and missionary among the hungry -- We are very proud of you and give thanks to God for this recognition."
Hardison confesses to being a little overwhelmed by all the media attention, which has included camera crews from local television stations and a front-page article in her diocesan newspaper, and particularly by its focus on herself. "All the publicity was kind of embarrassing... because it's really a group."
Meanwhile, plans continue for an ecumenical, state-wide Bread for the World Seminar to be held at the diocesan camp and conference center. Hardison says, "Our goal has been to assist others in finding effective ways to express compassion."