Right now, more than 1 billion people worldwide dont have enough to eat. Annually, more than 9 million children under the age of 5 die from disease and malnutrition as a result of hunger. But world hunger is 100 percent preventable, and the youth of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral are ready to be a part of the solution.
More than 80 youth at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral are participating in World Visions 30 hour famine on an empty stomach. David Williams, a sixth grader at Heathwood Hall Epicopal School, says participating in the event leaves only a small taste of what some kids his age go through. "It's a lot worse for other people," he said.
Students created a cardboard village on the state house grounds and brought along a lot of activities to help pass the time. Statistics including '26,000 kids die from hunger...' were spray painted along the sides of the cardboard homes. For some kids, including Mary Heath, participating in the event made a positive impact. "It makes you realize how wasteful you really are and the things you think you need, you don't really need them at all," Heath said.
Being hungry is evident in that they don't normally go without food, but the kids say they support each other and concentrate on the good their doing. Heath said, "When we get hungry we just realize this is nothing compared to what other people around the world are going through."
One thing Heath said she won't waste is her experience. She plans to continue to be an active voice for poor and impoverished children. "I just hope I can raise awareness wherever I go," stated Heath.
Event organizers from Trinity Episcopal Cathedral say they plan to participate again next year.
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