Texas A&M University-San Antonio will host its first ever Oxfam Hunger Banquet from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 20 in the Central Academic Building Vista Room.
A&M-San Antonio admissions counselor and event coordinator Christina Guerra described the event as an “interactive dining experience” that immerses participants in the issue of global hunger insecurity and “challenges them to analyze their thoughts and feelings.”
Global hunger insecurity is defined as the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
As students arrive, they will be given a ticket that divides them into one of three income groups — middle, upper and lower class, Guerra said.
The upper class will sit at a round table with a luxurious meal and servants, the middle on chairs with self-serve rice and beans, and the lower on the floor with a half-cup of rice.
“The division reflects real world wealth distribution and disparity,” she said.
After dinner, guests will have the opportunity to reflect on and discuss what they have learned.
“This event is a completely free and deeply enriching experience,” Guerra said. “Hunger insecurity is both a local and national issue.”
Guerra works with the Mays Family Foundation, a local organization dedicated to supporting the community, which is itself supported by Oxfam America, a global organization working to end the injustice of poverty, to ensure the banquet’s success.
“I think it’s a great learning tool to help people understand the different levels of poverty people face,” said Angela Alcoces, political science major. “You gain empathy for those who have so little, and hopefully something like this will lead to changes that will help people in those situations.”
The banquet can accommodate 60 diners and students, staff, and faculty are welcome along with any guests they would like to accompany them.
RSVP is required, as there are a limited number of seats available, so those interested in attending can register by visiting givepulse to reserve a spot.
More information about the banquet can be obtained by contacting Christina Guerra at christina.guerra@tamusa.edu or 210-784-1447.
Estephania Benitez Alonso contributed to this story.
