Hunger 101

On Friday, I had the chance to present the Hunger 101 program to this year's class of "loaned executives" for the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.  The loaned executives will work with United Way throughout the coming months on the annual campaign.

Hunger 101 is a role-playing program that allows the participants to play the role of a head of household tryign to get enough food for his or her family.  The participant has to figure out the family's food budget, then if it's not enough, can apply for help with SNAP or go to the food pantry. 

I often find it's a real eye-opener for people, and from the comments on Friday's evaluation forms, I think this time was no exception:

• "In a short timeframe, we got to experience a tiny taste of what it would be like to be in this situation."
• "Some of the simple things in life (for us) are major hurdles for the working poor."
• "It was a great presentation of the harsh conditins people deal with in trying to buy food or enroll in program to help."
• "It takes a lot of resources to ensure food is available...money, time, and planning."

If you would like to have Hunger 101 presented at your organization, get in touch with Volunteer Coordinator Edna Bailey.