Many schools take part in holiday food drives. Expand on this tradition by planning projects that challenge students to examine the causes and consequences of hunger, and, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, learn about the role these food drives play in emergencies. Here are some resources for inspiration:
— Start with statistics to give students a better understanding of who goes hungry. “Families Struggle to Afford Food, Survey Finds” paints the big picture of what experts call “food insecurity.” An online tool, “Map the Meal Gap,” allows students to research and compare statistics about hunger at the country level.
— Oxfam America Hunger Banquet is an awareness-raising event where the luck of the draw determines what you eat. A free planning guide outlines how to host an event in your community.
— The Empty Bowls Project integrates art and social action. The basic concept is simple: Students make ceramic bowls, which are used to serve soup at a fund-raiser. Patrons take home their empty bowls to remind them of those who go hungry around the world. Expand on the project by having students investigate and think critically about which charity should benefit from their fund-raiser.
— According to this article, food banks provide assistance to more than 37 million Americans a year through more than 61,000 outlets. During Hurricane Sandy, food banks were on the front lines with food, bottled water and cleaning supplies. But, as the article describes, their mission is expanding beyond just handing out food. Have students read the article, then investigate where their food drive collections will go locally, and what more they might do to help that organization or get involved in its mission.
— Two Learning Network lesson plans, “Helping the Hungry: Researching the Causes of Hunger and
