Feast first, then Fast for Change
WINNIPEG, MB - In the aftermath of Thanksgiving feasting, Canadians can fast for change as they consider food security issues a week later.
Fast for Change, a Canadian Foodgrains Bank project, takes place a week after Thanksgiving on World Food Day, Sunday, October 16. James Kornelsen, public engagement coordinator for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank says the timing is coincidental.
"We don't want to diminish feasting," says Kornelsen. "There's a place for feasting and a place for fasting."
Still, the timing helps bring focus to an event which encourages Canadians to pray, give and advocate around food security issues.
"People see themselves living in a world where food is easy to get," says Kornelsen. "But that's not the case for a lot of people in the world. Even in Canada - in some northern communities - there are food insecurity issues.
"Fast for Change is an entry point for people to explore the issue further."
The Fast for Change web site has free tools to help Canadians pray, give and advocate around food issues: the "Tend the Earth" prayer and reflection book along with liturgies that can be used by individuals or groups. There are even suggestions about fasting not just from food but from fossil fuels, over-consumption, complacency or disconnection.
Fast for Change also suggests ways people can call for change in food security issues, like a letter-writing campaigns that congregations can take part in.
"We're giving people doable things that don't require them to know all the issues but still make a difference," says Kornelsen. "Most Canadians can act in some way to better the situation."
Fast for Change also provides people with a way to give to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank so it can advocate and provide food resources across the country and around the world.
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