My colleague with United Methodist Advocacy in PA recently started fasting. To learn more visit www.umadvocacypa.org or search "Fast for PA's Vulnerable" in facebook to join our discussion group - fasting not required!
So far a few things have jumped out at me, in regards to non-spiritual aspects of the fast:
1) a fasting friend of mine shared with me that at this time of year there are LOTS of end of the school year/beginning of summer picnics. Fasting during this time has given her a chance to talk about the state budget and its effects on the hungry when it likely would not have otherwise come up. Many of her friends, neighbors, etc. have promised to write to their State Senators.
2) Fasting can help us understand the link between poverty and obesity - esp when after fasting, we don't lose any weight. Another faster shared that she constantly craved carbohydrates - so when she did eat, she overate in that food group because it made her feel more full. This is why programs that double benefits when you buy fresh fruit and produce are SO important.
3) Finally... fasting can remind of us of how important food is to learning. If our brain is fuzzy during fasting... just imagine what it is like for a hungry child trying to learn. This will give us extra incentive and motivation to push every few years for continued improvements to the Child Nutrition Act - as well as to be involved at the local level with our schools to make sure that children are getting the best nutritional education possible.
Fasting is definitely a spiritual discipline, and is not entered into lightly. However, I wanted to share these 3 things for those who may wonder the practical question "Does my fasting really make a difference?" Yes!
Bringing the faith community together to bring about hunger free communities.
Thanks for your post about fasting, Marissa.
ReplyDeleteI, too, agree that it can make a difference.
It sharpens our focus and helps us to realize
that there are others among us who are hungry
and struggling for food daily.
As we move into the summer months and with the
close of schools upon us, there are thousands
of area children who will be without school meals. The Summer Meals program is a valuable community resource. It is not to late to connect
with it. If you or anyone you know is interested, call Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese at 215-895-3470. Most sections of the city qualify and there are some suburban towns that qualify, as well.
Hunger doesn't take a vacation!