In Athens County alone, 13,170 people struggle with food insecurity, and of that number 3,000 are under the age of 18. As a native of Athens, I have seen firsthand that hunger truly exists here and it is up to us, as community members, to strive for a solution.
The Better Together campaign at Ohio University would like to encourage the Athens community to come out this Saturday to participate in our event, “This Is What Hunger Feels Like.” Participants can choose to fast for 12 hours while asking for pledges for each hour they go without eating. All proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit charity: water to help build a well in a developing nation, because at Better Together, we believe peace begins when the hungry are fed and the thirsty have water.
The event will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 9 p.m. with an amazing meal of vegan soup and cornbread at United Campus Ministry (UCM), 18 N. College Street. Throughout the day, students are invited to stop by UCM for several different activities including movie showings, games and even volunteer work. Through this event, students will have the chance to gain empathy for those who go without food on a daily basis and raise money for those who don’t have access to clean and safe drinking water.
If interested in sponsoring please email Rachel Hyden at rh148407@ohiou.edu. See you there.
Allison Schoeppner is a sophomore studying international studies and is a member of the steering committee for Better Together.
