Voices International - September 2005

Campaigns

 

Halloween for Hunger

What is Halloween for Hunger?

Started by Professor Jonathan White, Halloween for Hunger is an annual campaign whose goal is to alleviate local hunger, while raising awareness of global poverty. First adopted by Free The Children in October 2000, the campaign challenges communities to think globally but act locally.

 

How does it work?

Every year, on October 31st, youth from across North America participate in this unique campaign. Collecting non-perishable food items by going door-to-door, youth volunteer while at the same time strengthening the capacity of local food banks. So instead of asking for candy, why not get together with friends and family, and trick-or-treat for canned goods instead?

Why participate?

Poverty exists all around us. It is neither a desired reality nor a necessary component of either society or community, yet still it persists and people go hungry. Poverty and hunger are universal challenges that need to be met head-on by youth, community groups and governments alike.
By participating in Halloween for Hunger, you and your team can make a real difference in the lives of those living with hunger in your community.

Quick facts:

  • 841,640 Canadians use food banks every month—pop. of Nova Scotia: 936,000. (Source: Daily Bread Food Bank; www.dailybread.org)
  • 39.75% of Canadian food bank users are children. (Source: Ibid)
  • 23.3 million U.S. citizens received emergency hunger relief in 2001; equal to the combined populations of the ten largest U.S. cities. (Source: Second Harvest; www.secondharvest.org)


Who can participate?

Anyone can get involved in this important and fun-filled event! Youth from across North America, along with school groups and community organizations are already involved—join them in the fight against hunger!


Get the Halloween for Hunger resource kit!

Resource kit: 

To get the complete Halloween for Hunger resource kit, which includes a step-by-step how-to guide, a planning calendar, and great organizational tips, visit the campaigns section of the YouthZone on the Free The Children website.

To register your Halloween for Hunger campaign, use our convenient Campaign Registration Form.

For further information, please contact Jessica Bentley-Jacobs, Youth Programming Director at jessica@freethechildren.com.




Adopt a Village

For more information on the Adopt a Village and Vow of Silence Campaigns, please visit our website at www.freethechildren.com/programs/campaigns.



Picture from Peace Arch News
Vow of Silence