ACCD News & Events

NVC Addresses Socioeconomic Disparities through Second Annual Hunger Banquet

For Immediate Release
October 29 , 2005
Contact: Maureen Smith, Public Information Officer, Northwest Vista College
210-348-2011 m
msmith@accd.edusmith@accd.edu

On November 16, Northwest Vista College will hold its second annual Hunger Banquet. During this event, participants will engage in a role-play scenario that dramatizes the way hunger and poverty affects people around the world. Participants will be divided into three socioeconomic levels and served a corresponding meal. Participants in the high-income tier will be served a sumptuous gourmet meal; middle-income participants will eat a simple meal of rice and beans; and those in the low-income group will be forced to wait in line for small portions of rice and water.

“The purpose of the hunger banquet is to encourage students to think critically about the way resources are distributed throughout the world,” says Northwest Vista College English instructor Julie Bajusz.

After attending last year’s hunger banquet, one participant remarked, “I might try to do a little bit more now. I don’t have much, but every little bit helps. If someone sees me doing something to help alleviate hunger and poverty, maybe they’ll help too. Maybe I can start a chain reaction.”

The Hunger Banquet is sponsored by Oxfam America, an international development and relief agency committed to developing lasting solutions to poverty, hunger and social injustice. NVC’s hunger banquet will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the College Commons Banquet Room. Over 100 people are expected to attend.

Northwest Vista College, which opened in 1995, is part of the Alamo Community College District. Located at 3535 N. Ellison Drive, next to SeaWorld of Texas, Northwest Vista College’s expanding agreements with business and higher education partnerships provide a wealth of opportunities for students and the community.