The Office of Civic Engagement is shedding light on hunger, homelessness and obesity issues with their film screening of “Soul Food Junkies” as part of Hunger and Homelessness Week.
The documentary examines the role soul food in the African-American community, as well as the connection between hunger, obesity and inadequate access to food. It follows a week of events designed to expand awareness of food and homeless issues coordinated by the Civic Engagement office.
“One thing that people don’t think about a lot is the relationship between hunger and obesity,” said Jennifer Bodnar, the Student Affairs advisor for the Office of Civic Engagement. She said that many people assume that if someone is obese, they have enough food to eat, but that isn’t always the case.
“The film is shedding light on the fact that if you don’t have enough money to purchase food, you’re going to purchase the cheapest food that you can,” continued Bodnar.
The film is only one part of a week full of activities tailored to educate students about the different aspects and dangers of hunger and homelessness. The coordinators hope to expose students to issues they see every day but don’t necessarily think about.
“As [students] are walking around they walk by people who are hungry and homeless, but they don’t stop to think about how these people got there and some of the issues they’re facing,” Bodnar said.
This is the second year Hunger and Homelessness Week has been hosted at Georgia State, and the Office of Civic Engagement has partnered with other organizations like the Student Government Association to expand the event’s reach.
The film screening and following panel discussion will take place on Friday, Nov. 15, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Student Center’s Speaker’s Auditorium.
The Office of Civic Engagement will also be hosting a canned food drive for the Georgia State vs. Louisiana Lafayette football game on Saturday. Everyone who donates will receive a voucher to attend a free Georgia State basketball game valid through December.
