Sixth Annual Virginia Hunger Symposium features musical performances, panel discussions and other events centered on domestic and international hunger.

(Oct. 3, 2012) — Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (BRAFB) are partnering for the sixth year to raise the profile of hunger, both locally and abroad. The 6th Annual Virginia Hunger Symposium is designed not only to raise awareness, but to work toward solutions for a problem that plagues local communities, the nation and the world.

The Symposium begins October 23 with a panel discussion by local experts and culminates with a benefit concert by folk music legend Tom Paxton on October 26.

Last year’s event raised more than $8,785 and 1,000 pounds of food.  All proceeds benefit the BRAFB, which serves an average of 120,000 people in our region each month.

Full Schedule of Events (all events open to the public)

October 23

11 a.m. to noon -  Panel Discussion by local experts, Plecker auditorium
12:15-2 p.m. – Salad Bar fundraiser, Plecker Room 126/128

October 24

11 a.m-noon – Film and discussion:  30 Days on Minimum Wage, Plecker auditorium

1-6 p.m. – SGA Hunger Walk fundraiser, Campus perimeter

October 25

12:30-1:45 p.m.- Hunger Simulation, Plecker 126ABC
6 p.m. – Empty Bowl Dinner fundraiser, Plecker 126ABC

October 26

7:30 p.m. – Benefit Concert: Tom Paxton, Fine Arts Center theater

More about…

Film and Discussion: 30 Days on Minimum Wage– The video chronicles the experiences of filmmaker Morgan Spurlock and his fiancée living on minimum wage, including battling hunger, using unreliable public transportation, safety concerns, stresses of minimum wage work, difficulty budgeting and being without health insurance. Discussion will update some of the statistics used in the 2005 film. This event is sponsored by BRCC Phi Theta Kappa.

Hunger Simulation—What is it like being unable to afford food? Teams of first-year BRCC students find out in the Hunger Simulation awareness program, designed by BRCC Enactus (formerly SIFE) as part of its annual Campbell’s Let’s Can Hunger Campaign. During the event, BRCC Enactus students represent aid agency workers, food pantry workers and social service employees, creating real life experiences for participants who “live out” a three-day period as food-challenged individuals and families. Since the start of the annual Hunger Simulation, over 260 students participated in the program.

Empty Bowl Dinner– The Empty Bowl Dinner features a variety of homemade soups served in beautiful ceramic bowls that attendees may keep. Suggested minimum donation is $15.  Sponsored by BRCC Enactus (formerly SIFE).

Tom Paxton Concert— Music legend Judy Collins says, “Tom Paxton’s songs are so powerful and lyrical, written from the heart and the conscience, and they reach their mark, our most inner being.” Paxton’s place in folk music is secured not just by a 45-year career that includes hit records and lifetime achievement awards, but also by the admiration of three generations of fellow musicians. Suggested minimum donation is $20.

To reserve tickets for the Empty Bowl Dinner and the Benefit Concert, please call (540) 453-2215.

Contact:
Bridget Baylor
Blue Ridge Community College
(540) 453-2358
Ruth Jones
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
(540) 213-8405