The University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT)

Faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students all brought their eagerness to understand and reflect on global hunger through the help of the Global HEED Chapter.  The chapter collaborated with the Honors community and various community outreach programs to host an Oxfam America Hunger Banquet, powerfully delivering the message that over 900 million people are hungry not due to too little food, but, because of global poverty.

The students were seated in a manner that represents the socioeconomic status of people globally.

·         10% of the global population are classified as ‘high income’ – these students were seated at a linen covered round table with full dining service for a three course meal.

·         20% of the global population are classified as ‘middle income’ – these students were seated at a bare long table with only a pasta dish and an apple to eat.

·         30% of the global population are classified as ‘low income’ and these students were seated on the floor and served white rice and beans with water.

·         Abject poverty – there were approximately 7 people seated around the perimeter and were not served a meal at all.

A Peace Corp volunteer recently returning from Guatemala shared her experience about addressing hunger in the rural countryside.  Following this insightful presentation facilitators offered prompts to stimulate student reflection on the experience and their introduction to global hunger.