'Ethics of Eating' Region 4 Leadership Training
Oct. 22–25, 2009
The ELCA World Hunger 'Ethics of Eating' Region 4 Leadership Training was held October 22–October 25, 2009 at
World Hunger Relief, Inc. (356 Spring Lake Rd, Waco, TX 76705). ELCA World Hunger underwrote the cost of this event. If you have any questions, contact
Romelia Almaraz at 773-380-2696 or 800-638-3522, ext. 2696.
ABOUT THE EVENT
ELCA World Hunger sponsored a leadership training on the ethics of eating. The event gathered about 20 congregational and campus leaders of the ELCA from Region 4–which includes the states of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. At this event, we thought about ways to respond to the justice and lifestyle issues that arise from the interconnections between what we eat and the food distribution system in this country.
These issues were explored from this theological perspective: how should we eat such that it is just, and healthy for ourselves and the environment? We asked this question with respect to urban, organic and conventional farming, and their relation to hunger, worker rights, and the environment. We brainstormed about how what we learn should inform the work of the church, particularly with respect to organizing, fundraising, education and the lifestyle of members of the church. Each participant is expected to host an event of their choice in their local area after the event.
Here are the goals for our participants in this event. We hope each participant was able to: 1. Have increased capacity to advocate--with respect to the way food is distributed in this country--on behalf of people who are hungry, people who work to produce food, and the environment. Reflect upon the ways in which these issues impact the way we should eat.
2. Implement a project, action, or activity as a follow-up to this event.
3. Subsequently participate in the
Hunger Leaders Network and potentially
our online community.
Here are questions that guided our plans for this event:1. What are a few theological frames for thinking about eating in a way that is just and healthy for ourselves and the environment?
2. How is food distributed in this country? What is the role of urban, organic, and conventional farming in this system?
3. What are some local and regional issues for farmers and farm workers?
4. How do these different ways of distributing food locally, nationally, and globally impact: a) hunger in urban and rural areas, b) the environment and climate change; and c) worker justice?
5. How should we eat such that it is just and healthy for ourselves and the environment?
6. What are facets of individual, synod, and congregational advocacy for policies that would enable everyone to eat this way?
World Hunger Relief, Inc. is a Christian organization that trains individuals in holistic ministry that equips them to work with communities in developing sustainable farming techniques. Participants stayed at DaySpring Camp Ground Ministries (5882 Rogers Hill Road, West, TX 76691).