University of Central Florida students will take a gamble on their dinner Monday, Nov. 17, as part of an activity that demonstrates what mealtime is like for those who are hungry, homeless or impoverished.
Upon entering Volunteer UCF’s 21st annual Hunger Banquet, participants will select a role card that places them into a lower-, middle- or upper-class section for the evening. The section placement will determine the meal provided, whether participants sit in a chair or on the floor, and their general treatment for the night.
The event will begin at 7 p.m. in the Pegasus Ballroom of the Student Union.
Created by Oxfam, the Hunger Banquet series is hosted on campuses across the country and strives to spread awareness about the urgency of hunger and homelessness.
The event will also feature several guest speakers, some of whom are either homeless or have been homeless at some point in their lifetime, and others who are leaders in organizations dedicated to the issues surrounding poverty.
“Hunger isn’t just in third world countries – it is right here in our backyard, and even right here in this school,” said VUCF’s Hunger and Homelessness director Alice Neira. “Our mission specifically is to make everyone aware, but then also encourage them to act after attending the event.”
Neira hopes to see new faces at the event, which is open to the community.
Volunteer UCF asks that all who attend bring a suggested donation of two nonperishable food items, which will be donated to local organizations that work to end hunger in Central Florida.