As the holiday season approaches and we connect with family and friends, it’s important to remember that there are Spartans and community members who struggle with food and housing – and not just during the coldest months of the year. To this end, UNC Greensboro will participate in the national Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week between November 13 – 21, 2021.
The event is an annual program in which people come together across the country to draw attention to the problems of hunger and homelessness. At UNCG, the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement works with campus partners and a student planning committee to plan and host a series of related educational, service, fundraising, and advocacy events.
“The 2020 Hope4College assessment found that 1 in 4 students experienced food insecurity in the last 30 days,” said Katelyn Bodwell, assistant director for civic engagement. “This week of events is all about raising awareness of this food and housing insecurity on campus, and making sure students are aware of campus resources such as Spartan Open Pantry and the Dean of Students Office.”
In addition to the week’s events, UNCG is participating in Food Lion Feeds’ and North Carolina Compact’s third annual Collegiate Hunger Challenge, competing against 10 other North Carolina colleges and universities for up to $22,000 to put toward fighting hunger on and around campus. Through the competition, which runs through Dec. 10, UNCG will earn points based on several activities centered around hunger awareness efforts.
The key events on campus for Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week include:
Soups for Hoops
Monday, Nov. 15, 7-8 p.m., Greensboro Coliseum
Compete in teams to donate the most canned goods to Spartan Open Pantry. The group who donates the most items will be recognized at the men’s basketball game vs. Coppin State and will win a grand prize. Sign up to compete here.
Empty Bowls Sale
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m.-4:00 p.m., EUC Auditorium Lobby
Support Spartans and buy a hand-painted bowl designed by UNCG students! Proceeds benefit the Spartan Open Pantry.
Panel: Homelessness in our Community
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 6-7 p.m., virtual
Dr. Stephen Sills, sociology professor and director of the Center for Housing and Community Studies, moderates this community-focused panel of professionals who are working to address homelessness in Greensboro. Speakers include representatives from Tiny Houses Greensboro, The Servant Center, NC Housing Coalition, and more. Click here to access the virtual event.
Land of Plenty Deliberative Dialogue
Thursday, Nov. 18 12:30-1:30 p.m., virtual
Join the Office of Intercultural Engagement for a deliberative dialogue discussing how a food system can work for everyone and how we can ensure people have the food they need. Register here.
Catalyst: Hunger & Homelessness in GSO
Saturday, Nov. 20
Get off campus and serve the community while learning about organizations addressing hunger and homelessness in Greensboro. Transportation and food will be provided. Register here.
Spartans have a strong tradition of stepping up to help other Spartans in need. UNCG’s participation in Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week will give students, faculty, and staff many opportunities to do just that.
For more information, visit go.uncg.edu/HHAW.
Photography by Martin W. Kane, University Communications
