Youth Commission exposes hunger in Western Mass

Not everyone goes home after school to snacks, or a full meal. In hope to bring realization of food insecurities,  the Youth Commission, with help from the Environmental Club, is hosting a community event called Hunger Fest on November 5th at 7:00pm in South Hadley High School’s cafeteria. This will be an event including interactive food activities. The two clubs will provide you with food and a presentation.

Science teacher Heidi Ragno found out about the hunger banquet by attending one in college at a conference. Ragno said, “Some people take it for granted that they have access to food, so this will be a great experience to realize how others across the world and our own community face food scarcity issues,” Ragno continues, “I would love to make this a school event one day, but for now, hope that many students decide to join us and learn about these issues!” This is an event leading up to “Bag the Community”. Bag the Community is an event to collect non-perishable food items for the South Hadley food pantry.

As people walk in the cafeteria doors, a card will be given at random to each individual. This card indicates which food category people are in, either lower, middle or upper class story is written down. After receiving a card, each individual will be given food based off of their new background story. Junior Jailene Rodriguez, president of the event, said: “Mrs. Ragno gave me the idea to bring the event into our school. I hope that in the future more people would sign up to attend. As of now we are hoping for 30 people.”

During this event, each student of South Hadley High School that attends will be entered into a raffle for a free ice cream slip to be used in the High School cafeteria. All drawing will be made at the end of the event.

The event is free, however the Youth Commission asks that if you are attending, a donation of a non-perishable food item will be greatly appreciated. All food items will be donated to South Hadley’s food pantry.

For more information on joining, and ways to be involved, contact Jailene Rodriquez at [email protected] or see Ms. Ragno in room 507.

Roman may be reached at [email protected]