Hunger Banquet at Avila University

On November 19th, the Kansas City Action Corps had the privilege to attend a Hunger Banquet as the guest speakers. The Hunger Banquet was put on by the Student Social Work Association at Avila University in South Kansas City, MO.

For those who have never heard of or attended a Hunger Banquet, it can be a very powerful event. Hunger Banquets are an interactive tool that can demonstrate visually the food inequalities people live with daily around the world. As participants enter the event, they randomly draw a card assigning them to an income level. The majority of participants will be assigned to the lowest income level, and a smaller proportion to the middle income level. The smallest group of attendees will be assigned to the highest income level. Once everyone is seated, a meal is served to represent the participants' assigned incomes. Those at the highest level receive a full, balanced meal and "fancy" beverages (juice or soda), while seated at a nicely-set table. Those with the mid-level income are given rice, beans, and water while seated in chairs. Finally, those with the lowest income must sit on the floor while served only rice and a communal pitcher of water.

For our contribution, the Action Corps spoke a bit about Oxfam International and Oxfam America, as well as the GROW Method and Campaign. We also did our best to answer any questions the students and faculty had concerning Oxfam America and their work. The event hosted nearly 30 participants and, we feel, did a really great job exemplifying why Oxfam does the work they do around the world.

On a final note, we want to thank the Student Social Work Association and Avila University for hosting this event and using it as a food drive for Harvesters. We were able to contribute about 3 full boxes of food to the food bank thanks to the particpants of the Hunger Banquet. Nice work everyone!

Low Income Group

High Income Group

Middle Income Group (foreground, in chairs)

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Food Justice

Food Justice by Shayla Price

There's enough food in the world to feed everyone. So, why do individuals go hungry?

Huge imbalances in access to fertile land and water exist. Farmers and consumers do not hold the power to control these vital resources. Instead, companies and governments possess authority over the global food system. They often determine who eats and who doesn't.

Oxfam's GROW Campaign advocates for food justice. Here are a few goals of the campaign:

• Increase the productivity, self-reliance, and economic opportunity of small-scale farmers;
• Increase farmers' access to resources like water and land; and
• Modernize our food aid programs so they are more effective, efficient, and fiscally responsible.

Watch the video to learn how Oxfam America is working together with others to end poverty and injustice. Also,  get involved by taking the Oxfam GROW Pledge!

Sahel Food Crisis

Sahel Food Crisis by Shayla Price

More than 18 million people are facing a food crisis across West and Central Africa. Due to inconsistent rains, poor food harvests and water shortages have occurred.

The food crisis, which followed a drought in 2011, has affected 4.6 million people in Mali. Currently, the country is not only dealing with hunger issues but also political strife, leading 400,000 people to flee their homes. Particularly, resources are needed to save children from severe malnutrition.

To assist in the humanitarian crisis, Oxfam International is helping vulnerable families with cash transfers, water, and public health related work.  The World Food Programme is providing vouchers and cash for individuals to purchase food at local markets, supporting the economy.

So, how can you help? Donate funds. Sign a petition. Spread the word. To learn more about the Sahel food crisis, watch the video below.