Interactive event reveals realities of inequality and hunger through role-play and reflection
By Katelynn Humbles
On Thursday, April 3, students, faculty, and community members gathered in the McFarland Student Union (MSU) Formal Dining Room for an Oxfam Hunger Banquet, hosted by the Student Volunteer Coalition and Social Workers and Advocates of Kutztown (SWAK).
Photo Credit: Katelynn Humbles
The interactive event simulated global poverty and food insecurity. Upon arrival, participants were randomly assigned socioeconomic roles—representing the global income gap—and experienced vastly different meals: a multi-course meal for the high-income group, modest portions for the middle-income group, and rice and water for the low-income group, symbolizing the 50% of the global population living on less than $2,920 annually.
Photo Credit: Katelynn Humbles
“The Oxfam Hunger Banquets have been held nationally since 1974, reaching over 950,000 participants and involving more than 600 volunteer-led events annually,” SWAK President Vanessa Cruz said.
The event at KU also allowed social work majors to earn service hours.
Photo Credit: Katelynn Humbles
Friend’s Food Pantry, a local organization supporting students and families, was present to offer resources. The evening concluded with a group discussion on food insecurity and socioeconomic disparities.
Photo Credit: Katelynn Humble
“It’s a great idea because it is the world—there’s inequalities and inequities,” Friend’s Food Pantry representative Jim Reece said. “Most of us don’t get to choose our parents, how we grow up, or where we grow up.”