Conference to tackle hunger

Mark Dunlea wants to put food pantries out of business -- and the Faith and Hunger Network (FHN) could tell people how.

On Feb. 21, FHN -- in partnership with Catholic Charities of the Albany Diocese and a number of other anti-poverty or anti-hunger groups -- will present "Communities of Faith Working Together To End Hunger."

The day-long conference will feature an overview of child nutrition, international hunger and the state budget; an address by Assemblyman Ron Canestrari; a workshop to train participants to talk to community members who are supportive of anti-poverty agendas; and other events.

Root of hunger

"A lot of faith groups are involved in hunger already, through church-based emergency food programs," said Mr. Dunlea, executive director of the Hunger Action Network of New York State (HANNYS). "But we also realize that no matter how much charity work we do, it's not going to end hunger. Charity is obviously critical, as it puts food on people's tables today; but, at the same time, we have to eliminate the reason why people are being forced to come into food pantries."

The aim of the conference, he continued, "is to move people from charity to justice, to the concept that people have a right to food in this country and this world, and to give the faith community a better sense of how they could advocate to make that occur."

Mr. Dunlea believes that faith communities are ideal places to carry out this policy work because they encompass wide varieties of political persuasions, economic classes and occupations, and contain "connections that a traditional anti-poverty group may not have."

Myths

The workshop will also address common myths regarding hunger, such as the misconception that hungry people in the U.S. are primarily homeless.

"Many are intact families, and 40 percent have jobs and children, and they're not making ends meet," said Mr. Dunlea, noting that some families go to food pantries so that they have enough money to make rent.

The event will not take a partisan stance on the issues, he said, adding, "While we are not asking you to become Republicans or Democrats, we do ask you to take the values of your faith community about helping others and translate them into public policy work."

Commitment

Making a difference doesn't have to mean an enormous time commitment, Mr. Dunlea asserted, noting that "legislators respond if they see people concerned in the community about an issue. If they hear from local people, they'll know that people in their district are concerned about hunger.

"And there's a lot of respect for the faith community [in the State Legislature]. They see you feeding the hungry. They see your motivation to end hunger. And they know you're not there for partisan advantage. It helps amplify the faith communities' message."

Nevertheless, he noted, "God's work sometimes takes a little effort. You're not going to make the world a better place just by going to services once a week. You need to do a little more to put your faith into action."

(For information about "Communities of Faith Working Together To End Hunger," to be held Feb. 21, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at First United Presbyterian Church in Troy, call 434-7371.)

(2/19/04) [[In-content Ad]]