Spring Break
EIU fights hunger during November
Maggie Paoli/Staff Reporter
Issue date: 11/13/09 Section: News
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Many may think that the problem of hunger is overseas, yet in reality it is in the local community, said Amanda Messinger, community service coordinator in the Student Community Service Office.
One in five Americans use at least one of USDA's food and nutrition assistance programs during the year.
To raise hunger awareness, Eastern is hosting "30 Days of Change, EIU Fights Hunger."
The event runs throughout November, with some type of hunger activity every day ranging from educational lectures to simply donating food.
The purpose is to show that hunger is still a major issue in today's society, said Rachel Fisher, student community service director.
"Not only is it good to raise awareness any time of the year about hunger, because it is a year round epidemic, but it is particularly important as the weather gets colder because the needs increase," Fisher said. "The money they had for food is now used to pay for the electric bill."
A main segment of the month is the Hunger Challenge, which allows students to see what it is like to live on $6 a day, as if on food stamps.
"We're not asking you to make significant life changes," Fisher said. "We're asking you to take a pause, make a little change, and if all of us did that, in your community, you would see how different our community would look. Truly, if we all gave a little, we would accomplish a lot."
"30 Days of Change" has also partnered with the Student Athletic Counsel to help with events that will take place during athletic events. Anyone can donate a canned good at the basketball or football game and get entered into a raffle.
Another large part of "30 Days of Change" is the revamped food drive.
Judi Konrad an assistant manager in the bookstore, helped liven up this year's drive.
"The last food drive they did, they did poorly on, so (Fisher) and I thought we would spice it up," she said.
Every Wednesday in the bookstore, students can bring a canned food item in and get a coupon that ranges from 10 to 50 percent off any clothing item.
All of the collected cans in the bookstore will go directly to the Charleston food pantry along with the cans donated anywhere else on campus.
With Thanksgiving break right in the middle of the month of events, the Student Community Service Office does not want students to stop participating.
The office has posted suggestions on its Web site with ways students can get involved at home.
"We encourage students to talk to their local food pantries about what you can do," Messinger said. "Go volunteer at your local food bank or soup kitchen."
Maggie Paoli can be reached at 581-7942 or DENnewsdesk@gmail.com.
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