Contact: Maridith Geuder
Speakers, exhibits and a videoconference are among activities planned Friday [Oct. 16] at Mississippi State University to call attention to World Food Day.
Observed in 150 countries, 1998 World Food Day marks the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Its purpose is to create support for efforts to combat hunger through international, national and local programs.
An 11 a.m.-2 p.m. public program at MSU's Bost Extension Center will feature an hour-long teleconference broadcast from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Also on the program will be presentations by local community organizations and samplings prepared by MSU dietetic interns of a simple lunch found throughout much of the world.
The School of Human Sciences, in cooperation with the Starkville Sustainable Roundtable Group, are sponsoring the event, which begins with registration at 10:30.
The videoconference, titled "Food For All-A Right or a Goal," presents a panel of international experts discussing the plausibility of making the right to food universal, viable and binding. Panelists include United Nations, National Security Council, Norwegian Agriculture Ministry, and FoodFirst Information and Action Network representatives.
Continuing education credits are available for clergy and social service professionals, as well as for American Dietetic Association-registered dietitians and dietetic technicians. The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences also is approving professional development units for its members.
In separate afternoon sessions, community organization representatives will discuss local needs and programs. Among speakers will be Paul Short of Starkville and Nancy Guerry of Columbus, both with Helping Hands; Kay Harrelson of Tupelo, regional coordinator for the 10-county Project Homestead; and Mikell Vance, coordinator of nine-county Area Food Bank.
"Our goal is to inform the audience about world and local hunger, describe what our community is doing, and encourage people to get involved," said Wanda Dodson, associate professor of human sciences and one of the event's coordinators.
For more information, contact her at (601) 325-8429 or Armando de la Cruz at 325-3120.