Chicago Semester

Chicago Semester’s First Ever Hunger Banquet

Posted by Cynthia Stewart in CS Seminars in Guest Speakers in Practicum Group in Service-Learning in Special Tracks in Staff Stories in Student Activities | Dec 06, 2011

‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:35-40

Hunger is a problem facing many individuals and families whether they live in a city, suburb, or another country. Jesus informs his disciples in the above scripture what they should do in order to combat this epidemic. As Christians, we are called to take care of our brothers and sisters who are in need. Yes, many might say, “It’s not my problem!” However, Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

On November 2^nd at 4:30pm, Alyssa Barigian (Hope College) and I went to pick up food donated and some purchased from restaurants for the Hunger Banquet. Alyssa went into Noodles and Company to pick up food. She did not know they were going to give her even more food than we hoped for. They donated penne with vegetables, a bowl of chicken cut up, and macaroni and cheese. We then headed to Miller’s Pub (great Greek restaurant around the corner from CS office) to pick up the main dishes for the Hunger Banquet. I went in this time and informed them I was coming to pick up food. The owner said, “Go to your car, and we will bring the food out, so you will not get a ticket.” Within minutes, two men came to my car with pans of food: baked chicken, green beans almondine, and mashed potatoes. The last stop was Chipotle. Like Miller’s Pub, they sent me to my car and said, “We will bring the food out to you.” The customer service we received from the employers at the restaurants was appreciated.

As Alyssa and I waited for them to bring the food, we began to get hungry, as we smelled the food. However, reality set in as I noticed a homeless man sitting right in front of my car. I asked Alyssa to look into the bag from Noodles and Company in order to see what we could give the man. We decided we would give him the chicken. I rolled down my window and asked the man if he would like something to eat. He immediately said, “Thank you, I have been sitting here all day and I am hungry.” Mind you, he is sitting in view of individuals eating in Chipotle’s window. I then asked him his name and he said, “David.” I said, “Wow, you are in the Bible.” He laughed and said, “Yes.” I told him to enjoy the food. He said, “Thanks.” Alyssa and I both were very emotional by this time. A few minutes later, the manager came out with the pans of rice and beans. We finally made it to the Chicago Semester office with the food, and it was time for the Hunger Banquet to begin.

Angelo Alago (Hope College) was the MC for the night. With a heart-filled spirit he engaged the audience and welcomed them to the first student led Hunger Banquet. Angelo did an awesome job in giving statistics regarding hunger. Interning at Breakthrough Urban Ministries this semester, Angelo has worked alongside those considered the least of these. He has worked in the food pantry, employment center, and other ministries in order to serve those in need. In preparation for the hunger banquet, the plight of the poor was reality for him on a daily basis. The rest of the class (Megan Gray, Alyssa Barigian, Jamen Blake, and Kristen Marsh) along with Silvia and Janelle were the hosts of the night as they served the food to the different income levels.

High-income individuals received a full course meal: chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, roll, dessert, and lemonade. Middle-income individuals received chicken, mashed potatoes or rice and beans, and water. Low-income individuals received chicken nuggets and beans or rice, and water. Homeless individuals received a bowl of rice in another room and if they desired more food, they were instructed to ask for food from other individuals from other income levels. Many students seated at the high-income table commented they felt bad to see their friends eating on the floor or not having as much food as they had. It brought reality home to them regarding those who go hunger every day.

The highlight of the night was when students walked out with plates of leftovers to pass out to the homeless. I will always remember seeing two students with at least five plates stacked to their chins, excited about going out and feeding those in need. It brought tears to my eyes, because they acted on what they heard. Like the Bible states, “Be doers of the word (James 1:22).” I heard many students talk about how it was such a blessing to them to act immediately after the Hunger Banquet.

One lasting memory of the Hunger Banquet was one of the guests, Kevin. Kevin, invited by Charlene Johnson (who is interning at New Community Warming Center, a ministry to homeless men) touched the hearts of many students, staff, and guests. Whether he was sitting at the high-income table or in small group discussion, Kevin made a lasting impact. They did not know he was homeless until they sat next to him at the high-income table or in small group discussions. On November 11, Citizenship Day for students and staff was the day Kevin passed away. It reminded me of the scripture in Hebrews 13:2 “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Therefore, like the scripture in the beginning, we called to do unto the least of these, in so doing, are doing unto Jesus Christ. Many thanks to those who made it a successful Hunger Banquet: my religion class, practicum groups/leaders, CS staff, and guests. ~ Bon Appetit!