Kent State University’s Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement will host Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week from Nov. 13-18, partnering with different departments across campus to raise awareness through advocacy events, educational events and service opportunities.
“Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is an annual national awareness campaign,” says Amanda Paulus, director of Kent State’s Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement. “It’s really meant to bring awareness to the issues of hunger and homelessness in our communities.”
In 2016, a public health class created Kent State’s Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and partnered with the Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement.
“As part of the week, Undergraduate Student Government will sponsor a food drive where individuals can drop off cans in the Undergraduate Student Government office on the first floor of the Kent Student Center,” Ms. Paulus says.
That week’s Super Service Saturday will focus on hunger and homelessness within Summit and Portage counties.
The flagship event, the Oxfam Hunger Banquet, will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 4-6 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Ballroom.
“The Oxfam Hunger Banquet is an interactive event that sheds light on global hunger and power structures,” Ms. Paulus says. “All guests will be assigned a random socioeconomic status and that will determine where they sit at the event and what meal they’re served. It’s a really powerful way to actually see hunger and food systems across the globe.”
The event also will feature Kristin Warzocha, the president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, as keynote speaker.
“I hope that through these events, Kent State community members become more aware that hunger and homelessness are prevalent here on campus and in our community,” Ms. Paulus says. “It’s not an issue that is far away or doesn't impact each and every one of us.”
The full schedule of events:
Monday, Nov. 13
- Quilt Away Hunger and Homelessness, Hillel
Kent Student Center (tabling), 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Spreading Warmth: Blankets for the Homeless, National Residence Hall Honorary
Studio A Twin Towers, 6 p.m. - Piepalooza, Campus Kitchen
Second floor kitchen, Twin Towers, 6-9 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 14
- Rock Painting for Hunger and Homelessness, Public Health Student Alliance and Interventions in Public Health Class
Kent Student Center second floor lobby, noon-4 p.m. - Oxfam Hunger Banquet, Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement
Kent Student Center Ballroom, 4-6 p.m. To register, visit www.kent.edu/oeece/oxfam-hunger-banquet - Healthy Eating on a Budget, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics
102 Nixon Hall, 7 p.m. - Athletics Canned Food Drive at Football Game, Campus Kitchen
Dix Stadium, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 15
- Paper Plate Project, University Libraries
Fourth floor, University Library, noon-5 p.m. - Learning How to Properly Can Foods, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics
Second floor kitchen, Twin Towers, 5-6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 16
- Can Sculpture Competition, Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement
Center for Undergraduate Excellence Wi-Fi Area, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 17
- Friendsgiving Shabbat
Hillel, Social 5 p.m., Service at 6-7 p.m. (meal following)
Saturday, Nov. 18
- Super Service Saturday (register at www.kent.edu/oeece/hunger-and-homelessness-awareness-week)
For more information about Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, visit www.kent.edu/oeece/hunger-and-homelessness-awareness-week.