#hungeru

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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]

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