February 20, 2012

30 Hour Famine gives teens a chance to act on hunger, poverty

As teen awareness of global poverty increases, some 200,000 young people act on this knowledge by participating in World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine.

Edited by Shawna Templeton. Photo by Abby Metty.

According to a recent survey conducted for World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine, more than half of U.S. teens (55 percent) say social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have made them more aware of the needs of others.

Also, more than nine out of 10 (91 percent) agree that it’s important to volunteer locally. 

200,000 teens go hungry to raise money and awareness

World Vision gives teens a way to respond to poverty with compassion by participating in the 30 Hour Famine.

This week, some 200,000 teens will go hungry as part of the Famine national event to raise funds and hunger awareness. Teens give up food for 30 hours to get a taste of what the world’s poorest children face.

These young people are taking action on behalf of the almost 1 billion people worldwide who will go to bed hungry tonight. 

The goal: $10 million

Prior to the event, teens raise funds by explaining that $1 can help feed and care for one child per day. During the event, participants consume only water and juice as they perform local community service projects in places such as food banks, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters. 

Since 1992, the 30 Hour Famine has raised more than $150 million to fight world hunger. Last year alone, students raised $9.5 million. The goal this year is $10 million.

Funds raised this year will go toward relief and development work in places like Haiti, the Horn of Africa, Burundi, Malawi, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Some 30 Hour Famine funds are directed toward World Vision programs in the United States.

How you can help

Thank God for the sacrificial and giving spirit of a new generation of young people. Pray for a life-changing experience for these youth as they fast and volunteer.

Encourage youth in your church to participate in the 30 Hour Famine. There is another national 30 Hour Famine weekend coming up on April 27-28, 2012.

Make a one-time gift to help provide life-saving food and care. Your donation will help provide food, agricultural support, clean water, nutritional training, and other essential care to hungry children and families around the world.