Empty Bowls for World Hunger Day

Thursday, October 17^th, 2013, is World Hunger Day.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that nearly 870 million of the 7.1 billion people in the world, were suffering from chronic under nourishment in the years 2010-2012. That is 1 in 8 people! 852 million of these people lived in developing countries, while 16 million lived in developed countries.

It was hard to contain the feeling of youth and promise on this beautiful sunny day. Although the reason for this fundraiser is somber, indeed, the event was joyful. Not knowing what to expect when we arrived, we were delighted by several tables of some of the most beautiful, handmade bowls! The outdoor pavillion boasted tables with beautiful centerpieces designed around (you guessed it!) ceramic bowls. On the stage, two students provided a beautiful concert. We chose our bowls, paid the ten dollar fee and were treated to a bowl of soup and bread. We sat and listened to the music, enjoying our soup, feeling good in the knowledge that we helped, even if just a little bit!

The Empty Bowls Project is a program that was designed to fight hunger. It is an international program, created by The Imagine render Group. It works like this: Get a group of potters, educators and others together to create handcrafted bowls. Invite guests to partake in soup and bread. For a donation, they can keep one of the bowls. The proceeds go towards eradicating world hunger. I learned about this project only last week. It was being held at at a near by community college. I called a friend, who I knew would appreciate it as much as I would and we made our plans to attend.

Do not believe that a small donation is not worth it. Know that anything you do or give, helps. If you can, attend an Empty Bowl event in your hometown. It may be too late this year but watch for it next year. Give a dollar or two or three at the grocery store. Sponsor someone who is walking for hunger or for cancer or any other cause that you would like to help. Buy a beaded bracelet or necklace or host a party. What better way to help than to spread awareness? Be a part of something bigger. An important, integral part.

This year a friend recommended a program called BeadforLife. Eradicating Poverty, one bead at a time. I really like the concept. It is an international non-profit organization that "creates sustainable opportunities for women to lift their families out of extreme poverty by connecting people worldwide in a circle of exchange that enriches everyone." The beads are handmade by women in Uganda and sold here through bead parties or you can purchase them online. This was also a first for me. I have my first bracelets of hand made paper beads to wear proudly, to show my support in eradicating world poverty.

Often when we donate to charitable organizations, we speculate how the funds are allocated. The United Way has a simple form that shows you what your donations can do for people in need. Did you know that only $2 per week can assist food banks in purchasing more than 624 meals for individuals in need? $10 per week provides 5 children with early developmental screenings. Check out their site to see more.

Many people in the Hubpages community have been part of a collaborative, started by our own hubber, billybuc. I invite you to check out these hubs for HOW, Humanity One World. I also invite you to share your experiences by contributing a hub. you can also visit our Facebook Site