More than 100 students attended our first Teen Hunger Action Summit at Seton Hall Prep in West Orange on January 10th. The program featured learning modules and workshops about hunger in New Jersey and how teens can help those in need.
The topics ranged from fundraising and advocacy to volunteerism and social media. A Hunger Action Council workshop, chaired by the FoodBank’s Hunger Action Coordinator Laura Sodano, created an ongoing committee to put events and opportunities together.
“This was a wonderful kick-off to our new Hunger Action Summit series. Thanks to Seton Hall Prep, a long time FoodBank volunteer group, for hosting the day for 111 students and advisors from 16 New Jersey high schools. Many more were interested and due to their midterm exams were unable to attend, but are committed to this new hunger initiative here,” says Sodano.
Throughout the day students were urged to network with peers and listen to each other’s ideas on how to be an advocate for people who don’t know where their next meal is coming from.
“It was a great day and I am excited that so many young people are committed to helping those less fortunate in our state! I look forward to hosting more summits with all age groups. I invite students and teachers to contact me to host, plan and attend such future meetings,” Sodano says.
If you would like more information on the Summit and our Youth Hunger Awareness Program please contact Laura Sodano at (908) 355-3663 ext. 279 or LSodano@njfoodbank.org.
The FoodBank would like to thank the Seton Hall Prep Administration, Faculty and Staff and students for planning and hosting this first Teen Hunger Summit: Fr. James White, Chaplain, Vincent McMahon, Director of Service Learning for Social Justice, Lisa Traum, Asst. Director of Service Learning for Social Justice and Sharon Rondinella, Director of Campus Ministry.
Special thanks to our presenters: FoodBank Director of Volunteer Services Faye Kuhn, FoodBank volunteer Barbara LaMort, Larry Crawford from St. Ann’s Soup Kitchen, Barbara Moran from St. John’s Soup Kitchen, Vesta Godwin-Clark from St. James Social Service Center, and FoodBank Director of Advocacy Diane Riley.
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