Ready or not, here it comes!
The 2014 holiday season is rapidly approaching and whether
your reaction is “YAY!” or “Not again! Didn’t we JUST do this?”, the world
around you is about to transform – music, decorations, lights, holiday parties,
and (dare I say it) snow for us northern latitude folks. Perhaps the most
beloved transformation of all is the food.
Yes, food. The holidays seem drenched in gravies, piled high
in side dishes, and sweetened in delectable desserts. Research from the Calorie Control Council indicates that an average American may consume upwards of 4,500
calories during a given holiday dinner. It’s no wonder the media often turns its
attention to and reporting on ways to have a slimmer and healthier holiday
season. But, for all that conversation about overindulgence, where’s the talk
about if you don’t have enough to eat?
Thanksgiving happens to be the traditional kickoff point to
the holiday season here in the United States – a celebration of a fruitful
harvest and recognition of the many ways in which we privileged folk can share
thanks. It makes sense, then, that Thanksgiving is the perfect time to bring up
local, national, and global food insecurity – an injustice that nearly 1 in 7
people must live with daily.
So, as we approach Thanksgiving, I have a question for you: Where will you sit?
So, as we approach Thanksgiving, I have a question for you: Where will you sit?
On Thursday, November 20th, the Iowa Oxfam Action Corps, in partnership with St. Timothy’s Faith and Grace Garden in
West Des Moines and the ONE Campaign at Drake University, will host
an Oxfam America Hunger Banquet. The Oxfam America Hunger Banquet is an interactive experience designed to raise awareness about poverty
in a fun and enlightening way. Participants will share a meal together while
learning what it means to live with AND without. Random chance will determine
whether you live in poverty and must sit and eat on the floor or have a high income and can sit and eat at a table! Rev. Brigitte Black, Drake professor and pastor at Bethel
AME church in Des Moines, will deliver a keynote address.
Come be a part of this moving experience and learn about the
injustice of food insecurity and ways that we can all take action in our
communities. It'll leave you with an amazing story to share around your table this
holiday season. RSVP today!
