ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY

Rooted in the community-based work of SGS Ministries, which began serving the region in 2014, Feeding the 4,000 was formally registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2024. Feeding the 4,000 works to address the persistent barriers encountered by families experiencing economic hardship in Chester, Pennsylvania and surrounding communities. Birthed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Feeding the 4,000 derived from the demonstrated needs of our most vulnerable population during an unprecedented time. Through the commitment of our founder, board, and volunteers we have since worked to answer the call by providing food, clothing, and basic personal care essentials to low- to moderate-income families.

At Feeding the 4,000, we are dedicated to providing the essential necessities families need to sustain themselves; ensuring they are equipped to face life's challenges. By offering these critical resources and fostering a supportive environment, we help families take meaningful steps toward self-sufficiency and long-term stability. Feeding the 4000 is committed to working within our communities to alleviate struggles, offer hope, and restore dignity to those less fortunate. Through compassion, service, and community partnerships, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve, fostering kindness, empowerment, and a brighter future for all.

WE ARE ON A MISSION

To ensure that every family has consistent access to the vital resources they need to survive and thrive regardless of race, religion, income, status, or circumstance.

OUR VISION

Feeding the 4000 is committed to building a world where every person has access to essential resources, fostering stability, and empowering individuals and families facing hardships.

OUR PURPOSE

At Feeding the 4,000, we understand that individuals facing hardship often require nourishment for the mind, body, and soul. Therefore, we don't merely seek to provide food in a physical sense, but also to uplift, encourage, and empower our community by building caring, supportive relationships. Through holistic outreach and wraparound services, our goal is to help individuals and families reach their self-identified level of self-sufficiency and wholeness.

LEADERSHIP & STRUCTURE

Feeding the 4,000 emerged out of the grassroots service efforts of SGS Ministries, under the leadership of Reverend Rasheedah Myers-Lee. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative evolved into a standalone entity, rapidly expanding its impact and capacity to meet growing community needs. Since formalizing its nonprofit status in 2024, the organization continues to uphold a spirit of service, faith, and community-driven support.

Reverend Myers-Lee explains that her vision and duty to serve those less fortunate is fueled by her own upbringing in low-income, single-parent household. As a longtime community leader, activist, and entrepreneur, she has spent over 25 years selflessly investing back into the village where she was raised. Feeding the 4,000 is now governed by a committed Board of Directors and supported by a team of dedicated volunteers.

TARGET DEMOGRAPHIC

Low-to-moderate income families and individuals residing in Chester and surrounding areas, particularly those impacted by food insecurity, housing instability, and limited access to basic necessities.

ORGANIZATIONAL OBJECTIVES

A. Alleviate Food Insecurity in Underserved Communities: To provide consistent, year-round access to nutritious food, clothing, and personal care essentials for low- to moderate-income individuals and families, with a focus on reducing hunger and material hardship in Chester and surrounding areas.

B. Promote Holistic Community Empowerment and Self-Sufficiency: To support individuals not only with physical resources but also through meaningful engagement, supportive relationships, and empowerment initiatives that foster emotional well-being, spiritual growth, and pathways toward self-identified independence and stability.

C. Build Sustainable, Community-Driven Support Systems : To develop a scalable, volunteer-led infrastructure with diversified funding sources that ensure the long term impact and sustainability of Feeding the 4,000’s mission.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Feeding the 4000 provides critical resources through a range of programs designed to address immediate needs while fostering long-term stability. Each program is designed with a holistic approach, ensuring that individuals receive more than just temporary relief and are aimed to provide them with the tools and connections needed to improve their overall well-being. Our core initiatives include:

ESSENTIALS

Food insecurity and resource deprivation continue to impact thousands of individuals and families, limiting their ability to meet basic needs. According to the latest data from Feeding America, more than 34 million Americans, including 9 million children, experience food insecurity each year. Many of these individuals face additional challenges, including lack of adequate clothing, personal hygiene products, and other necessities. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these difficulties, leaving many families struggling to recover financially. To alleviate these burdens our ESSENTIALS program provides vital resources to our most vulnerable populations, ensuring that no one in our community goes without the support they need.

Through our outreach program we offer fresh, nutritious meals for families in need through food pantries, community meal services, and emergency food distributions. Additionally, recognizing the importance of dignity and self-respect, we also supply clothing, household and hygiene products to those struggling to afford these everyday necessities.

Under the ESSENTIALS program model, we also offer the “Diaper and Baby Supply Bank” which is a maternal, infant, child initiative that for families with infants and young children, in need of essential items such as diapers, baby wipes, and formula to ease financial strain.

Participant Outcomes

1. Increased Access to Basic Necessities: At least 90% of participants will report improved access to essential items such as food, clothing, hygiene products, or baby supplies: immediately reducing financial strain on their household.

2. Enhanced Dignity and Well-Being: Through access to clean clothing, hygiene products, and baby care supplies, 80% of participants will report feeling an increased sense of dignity, self-respect, and overall well-being.

3. Support for Caregivers and Young Families: Families utilizing the Diaper and Baby Supply Bank will experience measurable relief in caregiving stress, with at least 75% of caregivers reporting that access to baby supplies improved their ability to provide for their child’s basic needs.

4. Enhanced Sense of Self-Worth and Support: Following program participation, 70% of participants report a stronger connection to a supportive network of peers, mentors, and caring service providers.

“SHE” READY WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM

The “SHE Ready” Women’s Empowerment Program is a community-facing initiative designed to equip women of all races, ethnic backgrounds and religions with overcoming economic hardship, trauma, or systemic barriers with the tools, confidence, and support necessary to rebuild their lives with purpose and power. With 1 in 8 women in the US living in poverty (mostly single mothers and women of color) SHE Ready was named after our organizations founder and designed specifically to support those who support their families.

Through a strength-based approach, we provide pathways for personal growth, professional development, and long-term self-sufficiency. To uplift, empower, and support women we offer a dynamic suite of empowerment services and workshops that address key areas of need including:

• Personal Development & Self-Esteem

• Workforce Readiness & Job Placement

• Financial Literacy & Economic Empowerment

• Housing Stability & Resource Navigation

• Community Connectedness through Civic Engagement

We work in collaboration with local agencies, shelters, career centers, and wellness organizations to ensure women have access to wraparound support. These partnerships allow us to offer direct referrals for housing, job training, mental health services, childcare, and education.

Participant Outcomes

1. Improved Self-Esteem and Personal Agency: After participating in SHE Ready’s self development workshops, 85% of women will report increased confidence, enhanced communication skills, and a stronger belief in their ability to overcome personal challenges and set meaningful life goals.

2. Increased Workforce Readiness: At least 70% of participants will complete workforce development activities (e.g., resume writing, mock interviews, job coaching), and demonstrate improved job-seeking skills.

3. Greater Financial Competence: Through financial literacy training, 80% of women will gain foundational knowledge in budgeting, saving, and credit management, with at least 60% reporting improved financial decision-making.

4. Strengthened Social and Community Connections: Participants will engage in peer support, civic engagement, or community service opportunities, with at least 75% reporting a stronger sense of belonging, support, and connectedness within their community.

SGS MINISTRY & CHOIR

Sisters Growing Strong (SGS) Ministries is our parent program. This faith-based women’s ministry is committed to guiding women from all walks of life on a transformative journey from brokenness to wholeness. Rooted in the love of Christ and the power of sisterhood, our mission is to ensure that no woman is left behind.

Through collective prayer, corporate worship, authentic fellowship, and unwavering support, we cultivate a sacred space where women no longer have to navigate life feeling lonely, unloved, or unseen. At SGS, healing begins with the touch of a sister’s hand and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We believe that every woman deserves to walk in her God given identity—restored, uplifted, and empowered.

Whether facing emotional wounds, spiritual battles, or personal setbacks, women who join SGS Ministries will find a family of sisters standing beside them. Together, we grow stronger in Christ, united in love, and anchored in joy—walking hand in hand toward complete healing and lasting transformation.

OUTREACH

SGS Ministries hosts regular outreach events and dynamic spiritual and cultural arts performances designed to empower, uplift, and inspire the community. From the heart of SGS Ministries, Feeding the 4,000 was born as an extension of our calling to serve beyond the sanctuary. What began as a ministry of healing and sisterhood gave rise to a powerful outreach movement, led by committed women who not only found their own wholeness but chose to pour that love back into the community.

These faithful volunteers answered the call to meet greater needs—feeding the hungry, clothing the vulnerable, and restoring dignity to those in despair. The fruits of their obedience are evident in every life touched, every family supported, and every act of service carried out in love.