Over 40 students participated in the Hunger Banquet, a social experiment event hosted by the Office of Student Life Tuesday, Feb. 17, in the Loftin Student Center.
The event raised awareness of the prevalence of food insecurity and inequality by dividing the participants into three groups: a small group of four with plenty of hot food and desserts, a medium-sized group of eight with plain sandwiches and chips, and the largest group left with only bread. Participants were told only that there would be a free lunch.
“This is an experiment on humanity and how people are going to react.” Student Success Coordinator and event organizer, Joseph Liedecke, told the Sundial. “I’ve done this for over twenty years, and every year it’s a different outcome.”
Approximately 14% of people in Bexar County are food insecure, and the number is higher among children at about 20%, according to a report from the University Health Institute for Public Health.
“I think it’s good that they’re doing events like this for the students.” Senior Specialist of SAC’s Advocacy Center and guest speaker, Albert Hernandez, told the Sundial. “Sometimes they’re not aware of all the services we have here.”
The Student Advocacy Center, across from the Nail Technical Center, offers free snacks and drinks to all SAC students. The center is open Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 7 p.m. on Tuesday, and 5 p.m. on Friday.
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