November 12th, 2016 - University of Kentucky
The 1st Annual Kentucky Hunger Dialogue, “From Outrage to Action”, hosted by the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Campus Compact on November 12th, 2016 was an exciting event that brought together interdisciplinary collaborations from colleges and universities, anti-hunger advocates, community leaders, intriguing speakers, and food justice activists from across Kentucky.
The dialogue was the first meeting of its kind in the state. It began with a vision from UK students who learned about dialogues hosted in other states at a summit last February. The event kicked off National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week at UK.
The event drew 120 participants from seven Kentucky colleges and universities, as well as community members from across the Commonwealth.
“I attended the Kentucky Hunger Dialogue to share about the work of The Campus Kitchen at the University of Kentucky. I was interested in how policy bridges the gap for programs like Campus Kitchen and God’s Pantry,” said Connor VanMeter, president of The Campus Kitchen at UK and a junior majoring in agricultural biotechnology.
During the event, participants heard from UK President Eli Capilouto and keynote speaker Colmon Elridge, director of The Council of State Government’s National Center for Interstate Compacts. Elridge shared his personal story of growing up in poverty and experiencing hunger.
In the afternoon, participants attended breakout sessions designed to get them thinking about ways to end hunger on college campuses and Kentucky communities.
“This event gathered individuals with diverse backgrounds to solve the most outrageous issue crippling our nation. It is unacceptable in 2016 for a child to go to bed hungry. Our country now depends on this generation to eradicate hunger, and after today, I am confident they will,” said Amanda Hege, event organizer and director of community outreach in the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition.
View photos from the event online.
