By Jordan Hohenstein
Staff Reporter

Briar Cliff University students and faculty participated in a 30-hour food fast last weekend to help raise awareness for hunger and to make a sacrifice for Lent.
“The idea is to get students aware of hunger issues and what it’s like to go without food for a while,” said Gil Ridenour, associate of Campus Ministry and theology teacher at Briar Cliff University.

Around 30 students and faculty took part in the 12th annual food fast that started after lunch last Friday. Those who participated in the food fast were set up with a number of group activities to help them through the process.

Friday evening was filled with ice breakers, fellowship and a short presentation on hunger, particularly about the hunger situation in Honduras. Then the group separated for the evening and was forced to fight their temptations overnight.
“It was a moral support system,” said Tricia Rogers, a senior psychology major who attempted her first food fast.

Rogers and her three roommates were worried about fighting off the temptations to eat during the night. They agreed it would be easier to complete if they worked together.

“That first hunger pain was the hardest to overcome,” said Kayla Rempe, a junior social work major and chair of the Peace and Justice Committee.

Surviving the night of hunger was only one of many struggles the participants were faced with.Saturday morning the participants came together to take part in a service project for the Siouxland community and volunteer their time at Habitat for Humanity.

“I’m excited about the big number of participants this year,” said Rempe.

In past years, as few as 10 people have participated. Each year a different mission is chosen and Habitat for Humanity is the only one they could find that was big enough to accommodate everyone.

The project was not just about hunger awareness and to serve the community but it also had religious ties as well.

“It’s a sacrificial thing,” explained Ridenour. “It will help students get in touch with the spiritual side of things as well.”

Some of the students involved agreed that it is not just about hunger awareness but part of the Lenten season as well.

“It’s a good service project, but it’s primarily a faith based fast for us,” said Mollie O’Mara, a senior English major.

It is part of the Lenten season so the coordinators believed religious activities should be a part of the group gatherings.

“I think it’s a good opportunity to fellowship and make a moderate sacrifice during the Lenten season,” said Ridenour.

The funds raised during the fast were given to the Catholic Relief Services.
Not everyone was expected to last the whole time. Those who had medical problems were welcome to eat and if someone felt that they could not finish they were given the opportunity to eat. During the food fast there were scheduled juice breaks to keep a healthy level of electrolytes in the contestant’s body so they could continue safely.

Many of the participants were new this year so it was a learning experience for all. At the conclusion of the food fast all the participants had a meal together and had group reflection on what it meant to them and the struggles they endured during the 30 hours.

“I have not fasted like this before, but I have heard that if you’re alone it’s not exactly a good situation,” said Ridenour.