Sending Food, Not Throwing It
November 24, 2009
Finally, changing the world one step at a time has been taken up by a younger generation. In efforts to feed starving people of the world, Food Fight has been established by students to take action against widespread hunger.
The statistics speak for themselves as to why the group was founded. Three billion people live on less than 2 dollars a day, about 9.2 million kids under 5 die from preventable diseases each year, and 900 million people do not have access to clean water.
Last year, Jordan Prosapio from Central, John Macikas from North, and others raised $16,000 in two months. With the help of Waubonsie and Naperville North, they were able to send around 100,000 meals to Cambodia and Zambia.
This non-profit organization works with Feeding Children International and Kids Against Hunger to purchase, prepare, and ship food overseas. Unprocessed portions of rice, soy, vegetables, chicken flavored vitamins, and mineral powder are combined in these packets.
Once countries receive them, all that is needed is adding water for a well-balanced meal they would not have gotten otherwise.
To lead Food Fight this year, Juniors Matt Bockenfeld, Sarah Leddon, and Jacob Ives, a junior from Waubonsie, have taken positions as Co-Presidents. Beginning work in the summer, their dedication is evident in all they have put into making the organization worthwhile.
“We are aiming to raise $75,000 and pack half a million meals,” Bockenfeld said, “we also met with Mayor Pradel, who has shown interest in the remarkable organization.” They also plan to meet with potential hundreds of business sponsors to raise awareness and funding. Students from Naperville high schools will be able to volunteer to pack the food being shipped.
Although the actual event and planning are a huge part, the basis for the organization is never forgotten. Students are taking responsibility for the poverty and hunger that other generations have overlooked.
“We cannot rely on older people to do something about this,” Bockenfeld said, “If they were going to change things, they already would have. This world cannot afford another generation of students who feel that the world’s problems are only our parent’s, government’s, or president’s problems.”
The mission statement defines Food Fight as hoping “to harness the potential of high school students in order to eradicate hunger across the world.”
The beginning of a huge movement, starting with high school students, is sure to become involved in a global cause.
Molly Sonricker, Staff Writer
