Harding PACT students host hunger banquet

PACT students at Harding Middle School recently participated in a “Hunger Banquet” to develop a better understanding about the availability and affordability of food in different countries.

The activity was the culminating event for the “World View” learning unit focusing on the resources and cultures of various countries. Some 30 students in grades 6-8 were divided into small groups to study the culture of a continent. Using a variety of resources, they studied such areas as average life spans, per capita incomes, and access to clean water, education availability, and infant mortality. Each team then reported its findings to the larger group.

The Hunger Banquet marked the conclusion of the unit. Students were assigned to represent either a first, second, or third world country. Based on their designation, each received an allotment of play money to spend on their meal. Some students were able to fill a plate at the table while others were not.

“Beyond the study of a country itself, the activity opened the door to further discussion about charity as some students pooled their resources in order to send one person to the table to bring back food to share with all others,” explained Maggie Schuyler, teacher.

PACT is the District's Program for Academic and Creative Talent. For more information about the Cedar Rapids Schools, go to www.cr.k12.ia.us