The CRS Ambassadors are gearing up for their second annual Food Fast, scheduled to be an all-day event on Sunday.
The program is designed to help Cabrini students get a small, but powerful idea of what people in developing nations go through to obtain what seem like simple necessities.
According to a release on the College’s website, “Food Fast is an interactive, educational and motivational day-long event during which we forgo food while learning about the causes and effects of hunger.”
The College first hosted Food Fast last year, which was an eye-opening experience for many who participated in it. 14 students and three faculty members spent 10 hours fasting, involving themselves in case-study scenarios and reflecting on the experience.
One exercise done by the group was carrying five-gallon buckets of water from the pond by the campus’ King of Prussia road entrance all the way to the Peace Pole on the Commons. Several had to turn back for more water after it was found to be contaminated in some way or shape.
After an interesting ten hours, the Fast ended with Mass and a simple meal of bread and soup. It may have been a small and routine gesture, but it was a powerful way to cap off a powerful day.
Food Fast’s website states that “youth will fight global hunger, make a difference in the world [and] deepen their faith.” The website also features links where people can download music from the official Food Fast playlist, donate to the cause, maps of other food fasts across the nation, resources to plan your own fast and much more.
CRS has also designated weekends in November and February for multiple organizations to celebrate the Fast simultaneously, but they do not discriminate against whenever one is held.
Food Fast also has it’s own Facebook page, posting updates about the Fast as well as what is going on with Catholic Relief Services. CRS’ Twitter and YouTube pages also feature occasional updates about the Fast.
If the success of last year’s event is any indication, this year’s Food Fast should truly be a unique experience for any participant, regardless of whether or not they’re a veteran from last year or someone fresh to the cause.
“This day will promote a sense of solidarity with the 1 billion people who live without food and sufficient water every day,” the College’s release said. “Come, participate and get a “taste” of what it is like to truly be hungry.”
