SFU will host its 11th annual Solidarity Festival in JFK Lounge on Friday, April 12, from noon to 2 p.m. The goal for this year’s festival is to raise awareness of poverty and food insecurity around the region and the world.
The event will include a food drive, displays, games and prizes crafted and organized by various University faculty members, clubs and organizations that focus on poverty and food insecurity.
The event will also feature two presentations. Erica Goble, a nutritionist at the Cambria County WIC (Women Infant Children) Program, will address attendees at 12:15 p.m.
Justin Kurtz, the Community Connections Partnership Coordinator from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), will follow Goble’s presentation at 1:15 p.m.
Both presentations are CES-approved.
Several faculty and staff members are sponsoring food-sampling stations and activities. Associate Dean of Students Lynne Banks is sponsoring a table with dried and prepared bean dishes.
Associate Professor of Engineering Qin He is sponsoring a make-your-own sushi activity and Associate Professor of Spanish Larissa Clachar will serve Costa Rican rice and beans.
An edible insects station will be sponsored by Associate Professor of Biology Irene Wolf and candy from around the world will be provided by the International Education Department.
The Botany Club, Society of Women Engineers, Public Health Club, Torvian staff, Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids (ROCK) and the Center for Watershed Research will also sponsor stations at the Solidarity Festival.
Freshman Ryan Wilson said she is looking forward to attending the event.
“I’m excited to go to the Solidarity Festival,” said Wilson. “All of the activities sound really interesting, especially the protein sources with edible insects and international food-and-snack tasting.”
Festival organizer Colleen Krug said attendees will be able to donate non-perishable food items to the Dorothy Day Outreach Center.
“Our thought was that it is nearing the end of the semester, and students will have non-perishable food in their dorms that they won’t eventually eat, so we are going to collect them for Dorothy Day,” said Krug.
“For every item donated, you will get a ticket to be entered for a prize.”
In addition to stations organized by faculty members and campus clubs and organizations, the event will also include exhibits sponsored by area companies. Penn State Master Gardeners and GreenSpace, an indoor farm that grows hydroponic lettuce and microgreens, will be in attendance.
