POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — It's estimated that at least one million children in New York State currently live in poverty. Facts like these prompt the fourth annual Hunger Awareness Fast, to take place at Vassar College, the Vassar Farm, and the Family Partnership Center in downtown Poughkeepsie on Monday, November 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This daylong series of programs is designed to raise political and spiritual awareness of hunger and poverty issues, and is held in conjunction with the annual Thanksgiving Fast Against Hunger led by the Hunger Action Network of New York State (HANNYS). Participants will also be encouraged to donate money to Dutchess Outreach, a local organization fighting hunger in the community.
All campus activities will be held in the Rose Parlor of Main Building, and will be led by Rabbi Rena Blumenthal, the college's advisor to Jewish students. The daylong schedule of on- and off-campus activities includes:
Gathering of Intentions for Fasters
10:00 a.m.
Rose Parlor, Main Building
Vassar College
Fasters and supporters will gather for conversation and quiet reflection. An art project illustrating issues of poverty and hunger will be created here throughout the day, and information about world and local hunger will also be available.
Vegetable Harvest
10:30-11:45 a.m.
Poughkeepsie Farm Project
Vassar College Farm, intersection of Raymond and Hooker avenues The non-profit Poughkeepsie Farm Project grows over seven acres of vegetables at its member-supported garden, and donates over 16,000 pounds of produce per season to local soup kitchens and shelters. The project works toward a more just and sustainable food system in the Mid-Hudson Valley.
Vegetable Harvest Delivery to the Lunchbox
12:00 p.m.
Family Partnership Center, 29 N. Hamilton Street
Fresh produce from the Poughkeepsie Farm Project will be delivered to The Lunchbox, Dutchess Outreach's local soup kitchen.
Midday Gathering
1:00-1:30 p.m.
Rose Parlor, Main Building
Vassar College
Poetry, songs, prayers, and readings will be shared aloud.
Conversation on Fasting
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Rose Parlor, Main Building
Cultural traditions and purposes of fasts, as well as related topics, will be discussed.
Break Fast
5:00 p.m.
Rose Parlor, Main Building
Soup and bread will be prepared by Zorona's, a local Middle Eastern restaurant.
The Hunger Action Network of New York State was created in 1982 to work with emergency food providers, poor people, religious and secular agencies and concerned individuals to increase the amount of food provided to hungry New Yorkers.
Co-sponsors of Vassar's Hunger Awareness Fast include the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, Vassar Hunger Action Committee, and Dutchess Outreach. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Campus Activities, at (845) 437-5370.
Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential, liberal arts college founded in 1861.
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.
Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.
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