St. Stephen's partnership with Mary’s Meals began in 2013, when a very exuberant parishioner shared the movie “Child 31” with our Religious Education director.  Conversations started about how we could help the children of Mary’s Meals, and one day in a first grade class a young boy came up with the idea of recycling bottles and cans!  At that point in time, it took $.05 to feed a child for a day – just one nickel.  The idea took off, and nickels were collected and classes were in competition to see who could raise the most money.  The idea spread to the community, bags and bags of recyclable bottles were brought to St. Stephens, and a shed was even built by a generous parishioner to hold the bottles to be redeemed – and, it is a replica of the shed in Scotland where it all began!

In 2014, St. Stephens raised $11,580 during a Lenten campaign for Mary’s Meals, enough to build our “St. Stephen’s Kitchen.”   Since 2013, we have raised over $130,000, feeding nearly 7,000 children, and we continue to support our school in Malawi.

We believe in Magnus’ vision for a better future, and our goal is to help him achieve his vision for Mary’s Meals: 

“Mary’s Meals’ vision is that every child receives one daily meal in their place of education and that all those who have more than they need, share with those who lack even the most basic things. Working together with people who share our ideals, we believe that this vision can be achieved in this world where there is enough food for everyone.”  - Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow

We ask you that you join us!  Please check back often for our latest initiatives in working with Mary’s Meals, and if you have your own ideas, please share them!  After all, our successful recyclable campaign began in the mind of a young first grade boy!
 

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