Hunger Banquet

Hunger Banquet

            For the past four years, Pace University’s UNICEF: C.H.I.L.D. Project has sponsored an event known as the Hunger Banquet.  This informative session is not a typical one as it divides the audience into different social classes to give them a “taste” of what people in these classes experience.  As people enter the room, they are placed at a table that represents either a low income, middle income, or high income social strata.  Each class has a different dinner for the people their table to share.  The Low Income tables had only a tray of rice and a pitcher of water.  The Middle Income tables had more options: pizza, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and soda.  Those who were fortunate enough to be placed at the one and only High Income table were waited on by servers and had their choice of anything from the buffet (which all members of the audience would eventually be able to eat, after the presentation concluded).  The buffet included choices such as salad, chicken parmigiana, meatballs, pizza, decadent chocolate cakes, and soda.

            While each social class snacked on the food at their tables, students from Professor Walther’s PSY 233: Psychology of Civic Engagement coursebegan to present the mission and purpose of UNICEF, which is to work with others to overcome the obstacles of poverty, violence, disease, and discrimination that children face everyday. The key focus of the UNICEF chapter at Pace University is to encourage activism in the Pace community by exposing members to the perils facing the world’s children and by providing opportunities to make a difference.

            After the attendees learned about UNICEF and the children they hope to help, the PSY 233 students introduced Katrina Kahl, who works for the United Nations as a Communications Manager for the Millennium Promise. Kahl gave a highly informative presentation on the world’s poverty and hunger struggles, as well as on the United Nations’ plans to help make the world a better place for children.

            Following the presentations, the buffet at the back of the room was opened up to the whole audience. The abundance of food was donated by various local eateries. Everyone in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the presentation as well as the delicious foods they were served, including those placed at the Low Income table.  Overall, the Hunger Banquet raised over $600 for UNICEF, and was a huge success and crowd pleaser.