New materials from Catholic Relief Services

Idea exchange
November 2001

CRS announces Food Fast program materials
Baltimore, October 23, 2001—Catholic Relief Services announces new materials for Food Fast, its annual hunger awareness program for youth. The program, targeted to students in grades eight through twelve, aims to raise awareness among Catholic youth in the United States of the struggles faced by many their own age in the developing world. It also educates youth about the causes of poverty and motivates teens to act for justice.

New materials for this year include a video called "To Earn or Learn," which examines issues of education and child labor in India. The accompanying study guide helps program participants focus on issues discussed in the video and calls U.S. youth to be advocates for human rights. The video and study guide are available in English and Spanish.

"With almost 100 million children unable to attend school in India alone, the issue of child labor is one that will continue to have grave consequences for the youth and future of the developing world," said Ken Hackett, Executive Director for CRS. "Food Fast is reaching a new generation of young people and helping us at Catholic Relief Services to engage U.S. teens, laying the groundwork for a committed and concerned population."

Food Fast challenges young people to actively experience global solidarity by participating in a 24-hour fast. The program is a powerful educational tool for building advocacy around hunger and poverty issues. During the fast, youth become familiar with global problems through dynamic activities, group discussions, individual reflection, practical worship ideas and role-playing activities. Food Fast program materials can be ordered at 1-800-222-0025.

For more information, visit Catholic Relief Services.

Back to page top