Overview of Readings

Discussion Topics

Day 1 (Mon)
Introduction to Our Place

For Homework Tonight: Please take the time to watch the film entitled: The Red Wagon: Facing Hunger for more info on this film check out www.132main.com/projects/projects_redwagon.htm.

Throughout the day today and this evening, please read the following materials to familiarize yourselves with Our Place:
Our Place Strategic Plan 2008 
Our Place Newsletter Summer 2008

Introductions to Our Place, opener activity

• Overview of goals for these next 2 weeks which are:

1. To understand the extent and impact of hunger and poverty in Vermont and the United States.

2.To appreciate the value of working in a volunteer capacity to bring awareness to hunger and poverty in our local Drop-In center, Our Place.

3. To be empowered and inspired to continue to make positive changes in the community beyond this Winterm course and to be able to envision how people can work together across social, socioeconomic and political boarders to build sustainable, local food systems that are fair and equitable.

• Introduction to today's schedule for the day with Ana

• After serving and cleaning we will time to discuss the readings, your thoughts, and your observations, etc.

Questions to consider and reflect on are:

1. What stood out most to you about this first day at the center?  Share a snapshot image?  What will you tell your family when you get home tonight?

2. What did the readings tell you about this organization?  And how did they compare with your actual experience of being here?

3. Describe your reaction to The Red Wagon film.  What did you think about?  How did you feel when you were watching it?

Day 2 (Tuesday)
Introduction to Our Place, Cont.

Throughout the day today and this evening, please read the following materials to familiarize yourselves with Our Place:
Our Place Monthly Meal Counts 2008
Our Place Drop In Center Overview
Our Place: Educating Hunger in Our Community

• Introduction to today's schedule for the day with Ana

• After serving and cleaning we will time to discuss the readings, your thoughts, and your observations, etc.

• Questions to consider and reflect on are:

1. What did the readings tell you about this organization?  And how did they compare with your actual experience of being here?

Day 3 (Wednesday) Mural Painting!

Day 4 (Thursday)
Hunger in Vermont

Throughout the day today and this evening, please read the following materials to familiarize yourselves with hunger statistics in VT:
Just the Facts
Vermont: Poverty, Hunger and Program Participation Information
Voices for VT's Children: VT Child Economic Well-Being

• Introduction to today's schedule for the day with Ana

• After serving and cleaning we will time to discuss the readings, your thoughts, and your observations, etc.

• Questions to consider and reflect on are:

1. What surprised you most about hunger statistics in Vermont?

2. Have you seen any correlations between your reading of these statistics and what observations you've made at the Drop-In center?

Day 5 (Friday)
Hunger in Vermont, Cont.

Throughout the day today and this evening, please read the following materials to familiarize yourselves with hunger statistics in VT:
Access to Nutrition Programs in VT
The Paradox of Hunger and Obesity
Budget of a Food-Insecure VT Family
VT Hunger Facts
VT Campaign to End Childhood Hunger Annual Report

• Introduction to today's schedule for the day with Ana

• After serving and cleaning we will time to discuss the readings, your thoughts, and your observations, etc.

• Questions to consider and reflect on are:

1. What surprised you most about this section of hunger statistics in Vermont?

2. Have you seen any correlations between your reading of these statistics and what observations you've made at the Drop-In center?

3. Write a short reflection piece for Monday.  Include a question or two that you still have and would like to research more fully.