10th Annual Virginia Hunger Symposium
Teaming with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank for a decade, Blue Ridge Community College will host the 10th Annual Virginia Hunger Symposium on October 24-28. The week of education about food insecurity – locally and globally – culminates with a concert fundraiser by the Jen Chapin Trio.
“Through the Hunger Symposium, the student community raises money and collects food donations, and over ten years, that has resulted in more than 290,000 meals for hungry neighbors,” said Michael McKee, CEO of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. “We’re deeply grateful to be a part of this event and to have a strong advocate in BRCC president and Food Bank board member John Downey.”
Since its inception in 2007, the Virginia Hunger Symposium has raised more than $65,500 and 33,600 pounds of food, collectively providing 290,229 meals for hungry men, women, and children in the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank service area. In the Blue Ridge area, one in ten people struggle with hunger, and many have to make dire choices like paying for housing versus food.
A discussion on Thursday at 2 pm will include panelists Jen Chapin of WhyHunger, Lindsey Lennon of Project Grow, and hydroponic farmer Shiloka Kachabe, discussing their hunger activism efforts.
Tickets are required for the Empty Bowl Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 6 pm, $15 includes ceramic bowl, soup and beverage; and the Jenn Chapin Trio concert on Friday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m., $15. More information, visit Fine Arts Center performances.
Agenda
The SGA Food Pantry will be open daily, 10-2. Food collection barrels located around campus for your donations!
Grilled Chicken Salad Bar and Comedy Show
Oct 24; Noon- 2 pm; P126 BC
Comedy show begins at 12:30 pm. Suggested donation $5; students with BRCC ID $4. Sponsored by the SGA. Fundraiser for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
PTK – Essay Contest Presentation & Results
Oct 24 at 2 pm; room TBA
Student essays about hunger-related topics will be presented and results of the competition will be announced.
3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
Oct 25 at 5 pm; Rec Center
Suggested registration fee is one can of food to support the hunger symposium. Men’s and women’s teams will participate.
Table Tennis Tournament
Oct 26 at 4 pm; Rec Center
Suggested registration fee is one can of food to support the hunger symposium.
Billiards Tournament
Oct 26 at 4 pm; Rec Center
Eight ball tournament format. Suggested registration fee is one can of food to support the hunger symposium.
Chili Cook-off
Wednesday, Oct 26; 11:30 am – 1:30 pm; Houff Cafeteria
Chili cook-off fundraiser. To enter your chili in the contest, contact Nicole. Sponsored by the Spectrum. Fundraiser for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
Panel Discussion
Thursday, Oct 27; 2 pm; P104
Panelists Jen Chapin of WhyHunger, Lindsey Lennon of Project Grow, and hydroponic farmer Shiloka Kachabe, discuss their hunger activism efforts.
Empty Bowl Dinner
Thursday, Oct 27; 6 pm; Plecker Workforce Center
Fundraiser for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Tickets: $15 per person (includes ceramic bowl, soup, & beverages).
Jen Chapin Trio in Concert
Friday, Oct 28; 7 pm; Fine Arts Center Black Box Theater
Fundraiser for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Tickets $15; students free.
