Hunger and Poverty

The World at Table

Photo: Future Farmers of America Camp Staff

Called by various names (Third World banquets, unlucky potlucks, etc.) these “teachable moments” provide dramatically different food or portions to a group reflecting the distribution of wealth in the world. By charging a modest amount you can also make this a fundraiser. Give the money collected to the hunger-fighting efforts of CWS and/or your local food pantry. Allow time for conversation, reactions, and rebellious sharing! For recipes visit the CWS website or see Extending the Table by Joetta Handrich Schlaback, published by Herald Press.

Have tables of 10 people, each place is numbered (1 to 10). Place slips of paper numbered 1 to 10 in a bowl or hat for the leader to use in drawing. On newsprint write the following:

If the world were 100 people:

we would be among the twenty people who earn 89% of the world's wealth

13 would be chronically hungry

20 would eat too much

17 would not have clean water

17 would have substandard housing

the richest 20 would consume 100 times more energy than the poorest 20.

Call out 2 numbers to represent the world’s richest people (which includes the USA). They should be served a two- or three-course meal with juice.
Call out 6 more numbers – those that have a sustainable lifestyle. They should go to a serving area to collect a simple meal. (See CWS website for recipes, plus fruit and water/tea).
The remaining 2 people represent the world’s poorest people. Their serving area should be as far away as possible. Once they are lined up, they receive a small portion of rice. They must then stand in another line, in another corner of the room, for a small glass of water.
During or after the dinner, discuss why the groups were divided as they were. How did each group feel? Did the “rich” share their food?
Discuss the statistics above in “If the world were 100 people.” What could we do about the inequalities we have learned about? Consider CROP Hunger Walks, Blankets+ events, collecting CWS Kits, supporting your denominational hunger program, or a local food pantry.
If time permits, consider showing one of the many hunger-related films from the CWS Film & Video Library.
Conclude with one of the prayers in this booklet.

Variation: Near the end of your meal, read the following story. What strikes you about this story? How would you react in this situation? What do you think this person learned?

My American Airlines flight was packed. Passengers from a cancelled United Airlines flight had switched to American at the last minute. The pilot addressed us on the intercom: “We’re glad we had enough seats for our friends from United. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough meals. When the flight attendants come by, tell them if you’re ‘American,’ in which case you get dinner, or ‘United,’ in which case you will get a soda.” At first, I was relieved. I was an American passenger. I would get supper. Then I thought of my seatmates. Would I share my food with them if they were United? I was relieved when my seatmates told the attendant they were also American. But then I started wondering if the people in the seats right behind me got food, and the people behind them. Should I share my food with them? If I started sharing, where would I stop? I didn’t turn around to check. As long as I didn’t see them, I was able to eat. I face the temptation “to not look” at the hungry and homeless people in the world. But I know looking away makes me more calloused, and a bit less human. Gaining awareness of those with too little – better yet, sharing a meal with them – makes me more human.

Dave Schrock-Shenk in Trek: venture into a world of enough, Mennonite Central Committee