Seven Hills Students to Simulate World Hunger Crisis

Middle School students at The Seven Hills School will soon get a glimpse of the reality of the hunger crisis in developing countries during the school’s Hunger Banquet, a traditional event designed to raise awareness of global issues. The banquet, which will take place from 6 – 8 p.m. on is more about social awareness and less about food.

“We want to bring awareness of issues of food in security both locally and nationally,” said Head of Middle School Bill Waskowitz. “We will be simulating what the needs are in terms of what the world looks like on a micro scale, to see the disproportions between those who have and those who don’t.”

Once Middle School students and their families and friends arrive at the banquet, they will be separated into categories: wealthy nations, poor countries, and the poorest countries. Each group of participants will receive meals commensurate with their country’s economic status.

Representing 20 percent of the world’s population that are wealthy countries, students will sit at tables and dine on a lavish meal with treats. Another 30 percent of the world’s population – poor countries – will receive a small meal such as rice and beans. The 50 percent of people who represent the poorest nations will be placed in a situation where they will have to scramble for a small supply of rice and may not receive water with their meal. Waskowitz said the Hunger Banquet happens every three or four years in the Middle School. Based on the Oxfam America Hunger Banquet event, the Middle School banquet is part of the school’s focus on fairness, justice, and global awareness.

All Middle School students, their families, friends and relatives are invited to participate in the banquet. The event will be sponsored in part by Dewey’s Pizza. Participants are encouraged to bring canned goods and non perishable items to the Hunger Banquet. All proceeds from the Seven Hills food drive will benefit The Caring Place, which serves the communities of Kennedy Heights, Golf Manor, Pleasant Ridge, and Silverton.