Fast for a World Harvest
Oxfam America’s Fast for a World Harvest is a great way to involve many community members and promote education. Oxfam America is a privately funded, nonsectarian organization that fights global poverty and hunger. The agency works with and helps support grassroots groups that advocate for long-term improvements in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Caribbean. Oxfam America also works closely with U.S. policy issues, which affect poverty and community based efforts on a national and international scale. In addition, Oxfam America provides public education on hunger and poverty.
On the day of the event, community members will be asked to give up a meal, and your community food service will donate a portion of the cost of that meal to Oxfam America. Please note that the food service will not be able to donate the full cost, in most cases, since they still need to pay kitchen staff.
Steps
- First, contact a place to hold the Fast. Explain the Fast for a World Harvest and Oxfam America. Establish a relationship with the food service business by asking what the company needs from your organization in order to make the Fast successful.
- Start early. Begin planning and organizing at least 4-8 weeks before the event. Be sure to call Oxfam America (see toll-free number below).
- Choose an appropriate date during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
- Recruit co-sponsors, volunteers, and faculty members.
- Publicize through news releases (see sample enclosed in this packet), posters, brochures and information tables. Ask a high-profile community figure to join your effort.
- Obtain educational materials from Oxfam (free audiovisuals and printed materials) to have at the event.
- After the Fast, send thank you letters to the food service staff and other contributors. Tell them to include their names and contact information with their donations to Oxfam America. Make sure you receive a photocopy of the check for your records.
- Evaluate your event. Record what went well and what didn’t for future reference.
Questions to Ask the Dining Hall Director
- When does the dining hall need to know the number of participants? (To make sure that the food service does not prepare excess meals).
- How many meals can people choose to give up?
- How much money will the food service donate to Oxfam America for each meal? (Donations have ranged from $1.50 to $8.50 — they add up quickly!).
If you are interested in this event, please call:
Fast Team
Oxfam America
226 Causeway Street (5th Floor)Boston, MA 02114 Fax: (617) 728-2594 Email: fast@oxfamamerica.org, Toll Free: 800-77-OXFAM (800-776-9326), Fax: (617) 728-2594, Website: www.oxfamamerica.org
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