October 25, 2000

Oxfam Hunger Banquet at Ramapo College to Spotlight World Hunger and Unequal Resources

(Mahwah) – In recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Week, the Community Builders Coalition at Ramapo College of New Jersey will sponsor the Oxfam Hunger Banquet Monday, November 13 in Friends Hall (SC-219) beginning at 6:45 p.m.

The banquet will include a simulation of the unequal distribution of the world’s resources, with guests receiving a color-coded ticket delegating them to a particular socioeconomic rank, such as that of a garment worker in Bangladesh or a middle-class corporate worker in the United States. The seating arrangements and menu will be assigned accordingly. During the course of the evening, socioeconomic status is subject to change, if for example a worker loses his/her job or circumstances are otherwise altered. Bea O’Rourke, director of the Center for Food Action in Mahwah, will be the guest speaker.

Donations of non-perishable food and money will be accepted at the door. There is no charge for the dinner. Money raised through the event goes to Oxfam America’s hunger and relief programs. Oxfam America is an international development agency that supports local groups working to increase their food production and economic self-reliance.

For more information, please call John Yao, advisor to the Community Builders Coalition, (2010 684-7223, or Jennifer Shapow, Oxfam Banquet coordinator, 9201) 684-3878. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.oxfamamerica.org.