The annual Oxfam Hunger Banquet took place on March 13th at Serra High School. It was hosted by Serra Campus ministry and was a tri-school event. This event took place to raise awareness about global hunger poverty and offered an opportunity for students to learn about food insecurity.
Oxfam is a worldwide organization dedicated to combating inequality to eliminate poverty and injustice. They advocate for equal rights and fair treatment for all, ensuring everyone can thrive. Additionally, they advocate for economic justice, gender equality and climate action.
NDB students created ceramic bowls with VPA Department Chair Marthaane Kuntz and earned service hours for attending the event.
Each student got a bowl along with a ticket. The ticket either said, high class, middle class, or low income. A ticket decided where one sat and where one ate. If a person received a high-class ticket, they would eat pasta with garlic bread in a fancy setting. If another had middle-class, they would eat beans and rice on plastic chairs. Lastly, if someone received a low-income ticket, they would not get any meal. This showed the effects of food insecurity and hunger around the world.
During the event, students listened to various speakers, such as religious studies teacher Jim McGarry and Keisha Thompson who works as part of the Healing Well in San Francisco.
The Oxfam Hunger Banquet was very eye-opening for students especially to see the reality of what global hunger looks like in today’s world.
After students had eaten their meals, they were asked various questions about what they thought about food insecurity.
Sophomores Molly Manzi and Sophia Madrigal attended the Oxfam Hunger Banquet and shared their favorite aspect of the program.
Manzi stated, “My favorite part was definitely hearing the personal stories, it really opened my eyes on the struggle of being homeless, especially in San Francisco.”
Madrigal stated, “My favorite part was doing it with my friends.”
Molly and Sophia both think that Serra should be continuing the event annually because it’s a great way to earn service hours, learn about the struggles of food insecurity and learn how it affects others.
They both believe that it is important for students to attend the Banquet.
