How much do you know about hunger?

Idea exchange
May 2002

How much do you know about hunger?
Bread for the World (BFW) announced that its annual Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. will take place on June 25, 2002. BFW encourages anyone concerned about hunger and poverty to join their voices with other activists on Capitol Hill to make that message heard. Participants will learn about current legislation related to BFW's Working from Poverty to Promise campaign and then pay a visit to their representatives in the House and Senate to speak about these issues.

Coinciding with Lobby Day is a one-week course called "The Church in the Public Square" offered through the Washington Theological Union that will give participants the opportunity to learn from a variety of experienced ecumenical faculty. Students in the program will practice their advocacy skills and deepen their understanding of the church's mission to advocate for hungry and impoverished people.

Students can receive graduate credit for their participation and inexpensive housing is available. Contact Tom Murphy at BFW for more information (1-800-822-7323 x.242).

For those unable to travel to Washington, BFW encourages them to visit the local district offices of national representatives. Regional organizers are available for guidance on these visits by calling 1-800-822-7323.

Bread for the World, in cooperation with a broad coalition of interfaith organizations, offers another way to make a difference this year. Hunger No More: Decisions 2002 is a parish educational program that takes parishioners through a six-session learning experience on the reauthorization of welfare reform that will take place in 2002. Using scripture passages to theme each session, a group leader guides participants through questions like "Who is hungry and poor in the United States and why?", "How do national nutrition programs, such as food stamps and school meals work?", and "What is the role of faith-based organizations?"

The program hopes to lead communities to understand how they can move closer to a reality of Revelation 7:16: "They shall hunger no more."

Related resources are also available for children's religious education program including puzzles, games, and activities that help them learn about hunger in our country. These can also be used in conjunction with the adult and teen programs to create a family learning experience.

Visitors to the BFW Web site can download the guide or order one by mail.—Tara Dix

For more information:
Hunger No More
BFW Lobby Day

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