December 25, 2020
TO SELECTED BODIES OF ELDERS ASSIGNED TO THE COVID-19
Re: Adjustments to Arrangements for Meeting Family Food Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dear Brothers:
For several months, publishers have been benefitting from a supplemental food program organized through the Disaster Relief Committee (DRC) arrangement. The primary source of food items has been through a program sponsored by the government. However, primarily to improve the safety of all involved, the branch has directed that this arrangement be suspended at this time. Of course, it will remain as important as ever to ensure that those in need of assistance are cared for. Please note below additional details regarding how food needs of our brothers and sisters will be met at this time.
As trustworthy men, the elders are in the best position to lovingly consider and anticipate the needs of those in the congregation. The branch has asked that elders carefully review 1 Timothy 5:3-21; Organized, chapter 12, paragraphs 13-15; and Shepherd, chapter 26, paragraphs 7-12. These principles will be of assistance in determining who is in need of assistance and ensuring that food supplies are distributed adequately and equitably. The elders may need to provide guidance on how to conserve food and other supplies and remind publishers to have emergency provisions on hand. (See g95 3/8 pp.6-7; g74 9/22 pp.3-7; g70 9/22 pp.13-16) Good communication with group overseers will be very important, and will possibly allow for an equalizing to occur when needed.—2 Cor 8:14
Some congregations may have a limited number of individuals in need of assistance, and as a result will be able to arrange for their needs without setting up a pantry. Other congregations may determine that a pantry arrangement will work best for them. In such cases, the attached Frequently Asked Questions for Congregation Use of Pantries During the COVID-19 Pandemic document may prove helpful. Regardless of the means of providing assistance, elders should seek to ensure that the frequency and methods for delivery of food items minimizes exposure. The COVID-19 Safety for Households document should be reviewed regarding receipt and delivery of goods to ensure safety for both volunteers and recipients. It is also recommended that elders investigate what may be available locally through government programs and private resources. In this regard, elders should regularly review the COVID-19 Disaster Assistance documents in the forms section of jw.org.
Congregation publishers should be aware of the arrangement and be given the opportunity to assist those in need, supporting the arrangement in whatever manner their circumstances allow. (Heb 13:16) As a reminder, the branch has directed that neither congregation nor circuit funds should be used to make relief supply purchases. Additionally, separate congregation or circuit accounts should not be set up to fund purchases.
In some cases, a congregation’s food needs may exceed what can be arranged locally. In such cases, the Disaster Relief Committee is prepared to assist with providing basic food items. Bodies of elders needing assistance from the DRC in filling unmet food needs will be able to indicate this on the online monthly intake form which will be updated by January 15, 2021. More information regarding the revised intake form and its use will be provided in the near future.
The coordinator of the body of elders should provide regular updates to the circuit overseer for his information regarding any assistance that is being rendered to care for the needs of the brothers and sisters in the congregation. Please know of our warm affection for you and your loving labors as we share together in the ‘relief ministry.’—2 Cor. 8:4.
Your brothers,
COVID-19
Disaster Relief Committee
c: Selected circuit overseers
Selected field representatives
