Connexion North Central: Embracing Diversity Through Food
Showing love and embracing our uniqueness and diversity can be as simple as sharing food resources with others. That’s exactly what the community-supported agribusiness founded by Morningside University has set out to do with its introduction of amaranth greens cultivation.
Amaranth has long been an agricultural staple and fundamental life-supporting crop for many cultures, but hasn’t always been readily available in the United States. With a growing Congolese population, the students and staff at Morningside recognized both the nutritional and philanthropic value of providing a nutritious staple that makes Sioux City, Iowa feel a little more like home.
Watch the video and keep reading to learn more about how Morningside is sharing God’s love with its community.
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Acts of Love
Inspired by Faith
The Morningside amaranth agribusiness illustrates well what John Wesley expressed in his tenth rule for being a helper: “Go always, not only to those who want you, but to those who want you most.” With a burgeoning Congolese immigrant population, the team at Morningside knew exactly what was wanted most: familiar food to nourish their bodies and their souls.
Since January 2022, the Morningside amaranth agribusiness has shipped more than 100 pounds of the leafy green to local families and grocery stores. This simple contribution of essential food resources to the Congolese community is exactly what helps make Sioux City feel more like home. After families relocate, sometimes the best gift is the gift of food that harkens back to your roots.
Morningside University
Founded in 1894 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, Sioux City, Iowa-based Morningside University has long been a stalwart of community service and life-changing educational opportunities. Today, it is home to nearly 1,300 full-time students, 100% of whom receive some type of financial aid.
Understanding that educating the next generation is only half the picture, the staff and students at Morningside University are committed to creating lasting, impactful change in the community, as evidenced by their agribusiness operations that support local immigrant populations.
North Central Schools, Colleges, and Universities
- Adrian College
- Albion College
- Cornell College
- Dakota Wesleyan University
- DePauw University
- Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary*
- Hamline University
- Illinois Wesleyan University
- McKendree University
- Methodist Theological School in Ohio*
- Morningside University
- North Central College
- Ohio Northern University
- Ohio Wesleyan University
- Otterbein University
- Simpson College
- United Theological Seminary
- University of Evansville
- University of Indianapolis
* United Methodist-related seminary
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
Our mission is bringing people together to discern, learn, and lead for the church and the academy.
As the leadership development agency of The United Methodist Church, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) is committed to supporting United Methodist students. Through various scholarship programs, GBHEM empowers students to achieve their academic goals and develop as leaders prepared to transform the world. Each year, GBHEM awards an average of $5.5 million in scholarships.
GBHEM supports and advocates for United Methodist-related schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools. The educational institutions connected to The United Methodist Church are among the finest in the world and contribute to the greater good of humanity and to the health and well-being of society. The vast expanse of Methodism’s educational footprint cannot be overstated.
GBHEM also supports 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) related to The United Methodist Church. Through the Black College Fund, GBHEM helps maintain and enhance these vital institutions, ensuring diverse students have the opportunity to excel through higher education.
Additionally, GBHEM’s leadership and discernment programs guide young adults in clarifying their vocation and God’s call on their lives. Programs like the “Exploration” create transformative experiences that help young adults discover their path in life.
Through scholarships, institutional support, and leadership initiatives, GBHEM prepares global leaders for a global church and world, building the church of tomorrow, one student at a time.
