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A recent article by Tamir Kalifa describes responses in San Antonio, TX to the dramatic rise in hunger caused by the pandemic:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/27/opinion/san-antonio-food-bank-coronavirus.html?campaign_id=39&emc=edit_ty_20200629&instance_id=19846&nl=opinion-today®i_id=15645374&segment_id=32119&te=1&user_id=e41d7af19d34cb29d1c06efa4ee0c555 Thanks to poet/friend, Anne Harding Woodworth, for sharing the article.
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Voices of Woodlawn, a program of poetry about slaves at an historic plantation estate, was presented virtually on Juneteenth -- Friday, June 19 at 6:30 pm Eastern US Time. Here is the recording of the program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhoyfGuVXwA 
Dr. Hiram Larew taught a colloquium based on PoetryXHunger initiative at Oregon State University. It was featured in the 2020 Newsletter:
https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/thesource/spring-2020/our-stories-spring-2020#poetry-x-hunger This powerful message from the National Anti-Hunger Organizations focuses on the systemic, long-standing and abhorrent racial inequities that affect hunger in America. Please read this important statement! You can download the file below.
Here's another powerful statement from a leading anti-hunger organization about the need to address racism in our anti-hunger work:
Message from Feeding America: "We've been watching the news, horrified, for the last two weeks. As police violence runs through every state, it's clear that this is what racism looks like in America. The reality is that racism is also fundamental to why many of our Black neighbors don't have enough to eat. With decades of discriminatory policy that have led to poorly-funded schools, higher unemployment, lower home ownership, and worse access to food, it's no surprise that double the number of Black households face hunger as compared to white households. The staggering economic effects of COVID-19 are set to make that even worse. Our mission to end hunger must include taking action on racism. So, non-Black allies, we invite you to join us in recommitting to fighting racial discrimination and violence in all its forms. Five quick actions to take right now as an ally for Black lives:
In solidarity, safety, and health, Amirio, Danny, Mike, Mya, and Thao Feeding America Government Relations Team" Many anti-hunger organizations like Meals on Wheels are speaking up and out about the shameful link between hunger and racism:  Message from Meals on Wheels America:
"Like the rest of the country, our network continues to be in the throes of responding to an unprecedented pandemic—which we have done and will continue to do with unshakeable commitment to protecting those who are most vulnerable and need our support. We are immensely proud of the impact Meals on Wheels is having and the collaboration and dedication of our network through this crisis. At the same time, the deep-rooted, long-standing issue of systemic racism has been reignited, and it requires us to respond with the same unshakeable commitment to protecting those who need and deserve our support. Many are suffering from violent reminders that their lives are not protected from the consequences of hatred and brutality and are experiencing trauma and fear. This is a time like no other to come together and exemplify what we aspire to be as a community: where everyone is created equal, where everyone is seen, where everyone is heard, where everyone belongs and where everyone is safe. These are the values we embrace at Meals on Wheels America and these are the values we want to uphold through our influence. Sincerely, Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander, Board Chair Patti Lyons and Vice Chair Calvin Moore" The Write Blend, a powerfully diverse collective of six poets from Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, will present work from their new collection this Friday, June 5 at 7:30 EDT.  |
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