Shared picnic launches Hungry for change food campaign
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Hungry for change campaign launch
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Loaf and fish join the Hungry for change launch
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Father Joe Komakoma at the Hungry for change launch
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Bishop John Arnold at the Hungry for change campaign launch
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David McLoughlin speaking at the Hungry for change launch
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Shared meal at the Hungry for change launch
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Campaigners from Wales at the Hungry for change launch
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Head of campaigns Clare Lyons at the Hungry for change launch
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Hungry for change workshops
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Giant loaf and fish join the Hungry for change picnic
On 10 November, 250 campaigners joined in an unseasonal picnic - complete with checked rugs, picnic hampers and a giant loaf and fish - outside Westminster Cathedral to raise awareness about CAFOD’s new Hungry for change campaign.
The picnic was the centrepiece of a whole day of activities, including food for thought from speakers and workshops, a pop-up exhibition of previous campaigns, worship and the first viewing of a new animation explaining the food system – all of which left people with an appetite for action.
Father Joe Komakoma shared stories from his native Zambia showing how, despite the country’s relative economic success, many small-scale farmers were struggling to survive and climate change was making it harder for families to grow enough food to eat and sell.
Theologian David McLoughlin encouraged us to read the Lord’s Prayer in the context of a society where people were indebted, went hungry and lived under foreign occupation.
Head of campaigns Clare Lyons urged campaigners to remember the impact of “quiet moments” as well as big events, getting a huge show of hands from those who had contacted their MPs, spoken at Mass or talked to their friends about CAFOD’s campaigns, as well as from those who had joined marches.
She said “We were delighted to see so many people with such a wealth of enthusiasm and experience. We’ve all learnt so much from each other. Now the real work starts, getting the message out that it’s a scandal that millions of people go hungry in a world which provides enough food for all. Through campaigning, we can all do something about this. So what are you waiting for?”
Christine Smith, from Lancaster diocese, summed up the mood of the day for many campaigners: “I had a brilliant time at theHungry for Changelaunch,” she said. “The best bits were the publicity stunt outside and meeting other supporters to share our own campaigning stories. It was so inspiring to hear what others have done and I came away with loads of ideas to get people I know involved in the campaign!”
The Hungry for change campaign draws inspiration from Jesus’ feeding of five thousand people with five loaves and two fish and from the belief that our hunger for change, in solidarity with our neighbours and through the grace of God, can transform our world.
Take action now. Email the Prime Minister to call for a fairer food system >
