Thoughts from the HungerU Road

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[hungeru]

A Face Behind a Statistic

It was a slow and quite chilly morning on campus. Our crew was encouraging students to come stop by the exhibit to take the challenge quiz, but unfortunately many were rushing to class and to get out of the cold. In a crowd of students, one stopped, looked at the exhibit and B-lined over to me, "I'm on my way to class but I saw the word 'hunger', what is this and what can I do?".

So I explained that we were a hunger awareness program and told her that by taking our quiz we would donate a meal on her behalf. Her eyes lit up, "oh yes, of course!" exclaimed this young woman by the name of MJ. When she finished the quiz I asked her if anything surprised her about the questions. She paused, looked up, and then her eyes started watering. "No", she said "I know what it's like to go to bed hungry...I am from Somalia originally, and my childhood was spent in refugee camps".

MJ talked in painstaking detail about waiting in line for water and rationed food, being in a camp with 250,000 other refugees, guarding the door and watching her younger sisters whenever her mother went out of their tent, fleeing to Kenya to escape the war, and  the constant fear of having her life or a family member's taken. She then pulled out her phone and showed me pictures of the refugee camps and where her family dwelled, talking about how lucky she was to live in a tent with two rooms. From news stories and footage, I've seen pictures of camps before and have heard about the hard conditions, but hearing her story made it different. MJ's story made it uncomfortably real. She went on to describe her feelings of anticipation during the application process to seek refuge in America, her experience living in foster homes when she finally made it to the States, the joys of her family making it over here, and then her excitement of being able to graduate from college this semester. "You know I feel so blessed to have these opportunities, so many people I know did not make it through the war". MJ looked at her watch, "I'm running late for class, but thank you for listening to my story".

Before she came up to me, she was just another student hurrying to class, until she stopped and unfolded her incredible life story to me. The statistics came alive to me at that moment.  MJ was no longer just a face in the crowd, refugee statistics will no longer look the same to me, and forever will her story be embedded in my memory.

Standing in front of a exhibit that says "Let's Give Hunger an Expiration Date", gives our HungerU crew members a unique opportunity to be a platform for people to unload their stories. Moments like this where students share their stories, shed light on how personal, dynamic, and painful hunger is. So thank you MJ, and to every other student who has shared their story with us. You fire up our crew even more to actively work towards spreading awareness about the global food security crisis so that more students can be inspired to tackle these unsettling hunger statistics.

Fiona Coleman HungerU Crew

[hungeru]

United for Change

The Fall 2015 HungerU Tour ended strong with a visit at University of Illinois that truly showcased the social awareness of the Illini student body.  Between insightful conversation and thought-provoking questions, the HungerU Crew was beyond excited to be able to share our passion for building sustainable food systems.  U of I students proved to be inquisitive and willing to engage, seeking answers and approaching us with open minds focused on finding solutions to the world’s many hunger-related issues.  Whether previously knowledgeable on these topics or seeking information for the first time, it was truly refreshing to observe students actively pursuing answers to the questions of food insecurity.

Throughout our day of conversations, we repeatedly heard about various course options that had expanded student viewpoints regarding food and inspiring some to make necessary changes to ensure the ultimate elimination of hunger.  The university’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) was repeatedly mentioned as a source of many eye-opening courses involving perspectives on efficiently feeding the world.  Many had been made aware of the essential role of agriculture in producing sufficient crop yields through means of technological innovation and advancement while others approached these issues with a conservation lens, looking to positively impact the world as a whole.

While a multitude of students visited the HungerU exhibit with well-formed standpoints and overall understanding, the willingness to admit shock or general surprise about the state of the world’s food system was not omitted.  As I stood beside students clicking through the HungerU challenge, I saw eyes grow wide as the reality of massive numbers every increasing truly made an impact.  Most later admitted the unsettling nature of those staggering figures and the panic-inducing thought of reaching optimum production and distribution techniques.  The task at hand grew ever more daunting with each new fact learned.

However, this incredulity did not give way to impossibility.  Students often followed up their initial disbelief by providing concrete ideas to solve hunger.  From increasing nutritional value to establishing well-engineered means of transportation, students from a wide variety of disciplines had ideas about hunger solutions both in the U.S. and globally.  I had many students express their general concern for these issues, engaging in research outside of the classroom, pondering the next steps to combatting the hunger crisis.  While most of my conversations did not focus on personal struggles with food insecurity, it was equally as inspiring to see students dedicated to the greater good.

In this way, our final campus visit captured the essence of the HungerU tour, emphasizing the interconnectedness and universality of something as essential as food.  Despite varying approaches, backgrounds, and areas of expertise, everyone has a role to play in ending global hunger.  By working together within our communities and ultimately as a society, we can be the generation to challenge hunger, the world’s greatest solvable problem.

Brianna Marshall

HungerU Crew

[hungeru]

And that's a wrap! Our #HungerU tour finished Fall tour yesterday @university_of_illinois and we couldn't have concluded our season on a higher note..over 300 meals we're donated yesterday alone! Not to mention the countless great conversations with bright and aspiring students! Thanks to everyone at all of our stops who made this Midwest HungerU tour extraordinary! #EndHunger #illini #cornhuskers #mizzou #msu #isu #SpartansWill #ffa #BoilerUp #Purdue (at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

[hungeru]

Food Crossroads

As a recent college graduate, the looming question of “what’s next?” is never far from mind.  While the HungerU Crew has collectively dedicated ourselves to promoting sustainable food systems, we all are continuously considering the plethora of options that awaits us.  How can we truly make an impact in our communities and beyond? However difficult, no one can answer that question for us. Each of us must instead embark on our own individualized path to forward the future of food.

With imminent decisions approaching in the not so distant future, it is always refreshing to discuss options and opportunities with others along the way.  Nonconventional strategies are often both comforting and eye-opening, reaffirming or challenging long-held opinions, allowing for productive consideration of the next step.  Purdue University proved to be full of thinkers and innovators who are forging their own paths, paving the way for a world without hunger.  Although some have yet to find their unique niches, many are hoping to find solutions to the global food crisis.

However, it is never too late to become part of the solution and contribute positively to our global food climate.  This became readily apparent to me during our second day at Purdue when I spoke with a university employee who was eager to engage with the message of HungerU.  After a decade long career at Purdue preceded by a wide array of work experiences, Suzie expressed her passion to help the world’s hungry.  I listened as she described the desire that she had from a young age to help alleviate the crippling malnutrition that so many face.  She turned to me, searching for answers.  What could she do to get involved?

Through reading and research, Suzie had provided herself with a self-education about the daunting task that is fighting hunger.  We discussed aid and development techniques and the necessity of infrastructure for the improvement of food access.  We explored the Global Food Security Index, considering the multitude of factors that contribute to a nation’s level of food security.  She shared humorous anecdotes involving her son, a current Purdue student, and their exchanges of ideas and viewpoints related to food issues.  She spoke with conviction and determination, inspired to create change.

Our conversation concluded with a mutual exchange of best wishes, embarking on our own journeys, forging our paths in hopes of finding a niche.  Yet despite our clichéd crossroads, we each parted with the unspoken understanding that fighting hunger truly may be the road less traveled.  “What’s next?” is a question greater than our career choices, our interests, and our desires.  It defines the food crisis conversation with intimidating uncertainty.  But for some inspired few, this ambiguous challenge may just offer the perfect next step.

Brianna Marshall

HungerU Crew

[hungeru]

This little pup hung out near us all day long! Thanks for being a #HungerU fan lil guy! #HoundsofHungerU #Illinois #illi #puppylove (at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

[hungeru]

Mr. Purdue doesn't like hunger either. Thanks to all the #Boilers who came by and talked about how we can #EndHunger. Mr.Purdue would be so proud! If you weren't able to stop by, you can go to HungerUChallenge.com and we still donate meal locally! #HungerU #Purdue #GoBoilers #BoilerUp (at Purdue University)

[hungeru]

Hey #BoilerMakers what are you doing to #FightHunger?! We've heard some great stories about students actively fighting for change, including #SwipeOutStarvation , a hunger awareness and impact program where you can use extra meal points to donate to a hunger relief program. Keep it up and #BoilerUp #HungerU #Purdue #GoBoilers #transformationaltuesday @lifeatpurdue (at Purdue University)

[hungeru]

HungerU at Purdue is on WLFI News Channel 18, tune in at 5/6pm tonight. #BoilerMakers, If you want to join to conversation about what we can do here in West Lafayette or globally come visit us today or tomorrow on campus! #EndHunger #HungerU #Boilers #BoilersofPurdue #Purdue #WLFI @lifeatpurdue (at Purdue University)

[hungeru]

Purdue, here we are! It's a beautiful day out...but whats not so beautiful is the fact that 1 in 7 in Indiana is food insecure. What are some solutions to this problem? Come stop by the exhibit today 9-4pm by the engineering mall, and tomorrow by the student union! Talking solutions, and donating meals locally. #Purdue #BoilersofPurdue #BoilerUp #Boilers #HungerU #EndHunger @lifeatpurdue (at Purdue University)

[hungeru]

Future Farmers Feeding the World

National FFA Convention proved to be another new experience for the HungerU Crew.  While all four of us had never before experienced an FFA event, we were excited to engage with student leaders from across the country about their passion for farming.  Throughout our week in Louisville, we met thousands of America’s future farmers, eager to explore opportunities to improve the world through agricultural pursuits.

As I stared out into a sea of blue corduroy, I was admittedly overwhelmed.  The sheer number of FFA members seemed daunting, especially from an outside perspective.  I scanned the crowds in search of my home state, hoping to make the Pennsylvania connection in very unfamiliar territory.  I prepared myself to draw on my lifelong experiences as a Pennsylvania Farm Show spectator, knowing that PA FFA members were most likely the source of central PA’s most exciting event each January.  Determined to form connections and diversify my perspective on food issues, I decidedly approached the convention with an open mind.

After countless interactions and hundreds of HungerU Challenges taken, I was particularly impressed by one certain instance of dedication to alleviating hunger and food insecurity.  A young member from Alabama shared the story of her high school’s involvement with food issues in their local community.  She explained that her FFA chapter operates a small produce farm on campus for the purpose of providing food for those in need in the local community.  Fresh vegetables are regularly delivered to a local homeless shelter where they are then prepared for the shelter’s meal program.  She described the greater awareness of hunger that this experience had given her and expressed how this opportunity to give back has had a lasting impact.

HungerU was not alone in its hunger awareness efforts at FFA Convention.  Amidst numerous exhibits in the expansive exhibit hall, I sought out Alliance to End Hunger, our neighboring booth, to gain insight into their approach to solving the global hunger problem.  Comprised of approximately 90 member organizations, the Alliance to End Hunger includes Campus Kitchens Project, HungerU’s food donation partner on many university tour stops.  Acting as a unifying force across many groups and organizations, the Alliance to End Hunger chose to shine light on civic duty and the role of public advocacy at FFA Convention.  Through a hand-delivered “letter to your senator” campaign, FFA members were engaged in the legislative process and the role that policy can play in providing food for all.

FFA Convention was an eye-opening experience, expanding my knowledge of the wide variety of agricultural efforts that will ultimately contribute to feeding the world.  By providing our nation’s future of food with the resources to understand the scope of world hunger, we will be one step closer to finding a solution.

Brianna Marshall

HungerU Crew

[hungeru]

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Fun Fun Fun @nationalffa ! We're having students from across the country donating their time to feed the hungry, test their knowledge and win some prizes! #FFA #FFAconvention #HungerU #FFA2015

[hungeru]

These games are getting serious...join in on the survivor game! Fight hunger and challenge fellow #FFA friends! #HungerU #EndHunger #FFA2015 (at Kentucky Exposition Center)

[hungeru]

The most wonderful time of year...it's the #FFA convention wahoo!! Santa stopped by our exhibit and delivered prizes galore! #HungerU #FFA2015 #EndHunger (at Louisville, Kentucky)

[hungeru]

HungerU your is taking on #FFA Students from all over the country learning about what they can do to solve the food and hunger crisis! Come visit our exhibit if you're here! we're near the SeaWorld exhibit.. #HungerU

[hungeru]

The tour would not be the same without #HoundsofHungerU They inspire us to keep howlin' for change! Hopefully there will be some dogs at the #FFA convention tomorrow! Students, If you're in Louisville, come visit our exhibit at the FFA convention Wednesday-Friday. If you bring your pup, it'll get a free pair of sunglasses too. #HungerU

[hungeru]

Learning through Interactions

HungerU tour is a rich learning experience. Almost half way through the tour and three campuses down, I have had hundreds of interactions with students who were distinct in every aspect, including their personalities, perspectives and reactions. As a HungerU crew member, in addition to discussing the global hunger and food security issues, you are learning from people’s experiences. You are enriching yourself with their knowledge and what they went through or observed firsthand.

With a few verbal “no, thank you” and some gestural “I don’t want to talk to you about anything” incidents, the response from campuses has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Some students would come to crew members asking about HungerU out of curiosity, some would come because of their previous interaction with the program at the FFA convention, and others just because they know that they can donate a meal to someone by answering five questions only.

You get a chance to meet people who have spent years doing development work locally and internationally. William Waters, for instance, has been working in Haiti for over10 years now. Waters, Global Education Coordinator at Southeast Community College, especially came over to the HungerU exhibit at UNL. While shedding light on the many problems that the Haitian people face every day, he talked about the most heart-breaking of his experiences there. He said he saw women selling clay biscuits to feed the children. These biscuits were made solely out of clay or dirt, a little oil, and salt or sugar.

Waters said that these biscuits would fill the bellies of the kids but they had zero nutritional value. Consequently, the kids died of malnourishment with their bellies full.

And then there are people who, while taking the HungerU challenge, are genuinely shocked to see that the Haitians spend around 57% of their income just on food. One can only imagine the extent of their surprise when you tell them about the clay biscuits. These moments, when people realize that there is so much that needs to be done, make you feel accomplished. But questions like, “How can I be a part of the solution?” and “How can I help?” make you want to do more.

This tour, therefore, might just seem like a constant cycle of learning about hunger and other related challenges that our fellow humans struggle with every day, and then disseminating it to the people that you are interacting with. However, the variety of conversations that you have with people, around the same topic, makes every day a different day.

Shan Cheema

HungerU Crew

[hungeru]

Food Connections

“Great minds think alike” is a tried and true expression, which while debatably trite, ultimately describes the welcome that HungerU received at Michigan State.  Our arrival on campus was timed perfectly in the midst of campus Food Day, a celebration of MSU initiatives to promote a healthier and more sustainable campus environment.  Though many of the neighboring exhibits included enticing food samples, their focus on quality and access highlighted issues of hunger and food insecurity, helping to start the conversation at HungerU.  The exchange of ideas between the HungerU Crew and campus food leaders offered refreshing perspectives and new approaches to feeding the world.

As I began to investigate the array of local produce and organic farming displays, I instantly gravitated towards an exhibit highlighting MSU bee colonies and their role in university agricultural programming.  My personal connection to bees stems from an undergraduate degree in Animal Behavior and behaviorally speaking, bees are one of the most intriguing subjects.  With complex communication and high-level directional abilities, beehives are an endless source of research for a wide range of biologically focused minds.  Therefore, I was eager to learn about the Spartan motivation for including bees at the heart of Food Day.

I am often asked about how my training in Animal Behavior has led me to pursue a career combatting food issues.  Yet in my opinion, a biological perspective is in many ways the backbone for feeding the world.  My experience at MSU reinforced my conviction as I engaged with a representative from one of the many on campus farming initiatives about the importance of bees to the global food supply.  Pollinators enable the process of food production at its most basic level.  As expected, I learned that Michigan State has research in place to protect bees in light of recently alarming decreases in global bee populations.  This investment in the interconnectedness of ecology left me with a positive impression of the university’s work to improve food availability while involving a wide range of disciplines in the process.

Therefore, I was increasingly determined to impress upon the HungerU exhibit’s many visitors that everyone has a role to play in insuring the future of food.  Applied knowledge in engineering, political science, natural science, agriculture, and many more specializations is crucial to providing safe and nutritious food to the global population.  From the smallest bee to the largest of universities, a united effort will ultimately result in an end to hunger.  Great minds exist throughout majors, interests, and expertise.  By constructively focusing efforts, the world’s most solvable problem, hunger can become nonexistent.  The old saying is true. Great minds do think alike.  Why not think alike for the solution to hunger?

Brianna Marshall

HungerU Crew