Friends of the World Food Program Des Moines Committee

Over the last 7 months we have developed a team of volunteers dedicated to raising awareness about global/local hunger and poverty. Our first 6 month plan focused on just letting the public know that we are here and are determined to impliment institutional and normative change. We have done this by hosting a variety of events throughout the community. For instance we have a networking event to just get out name out there. We also hosted a Lunch-and-Learn with presentations on local and global food systems presented Dr. Jan Flora of Iowa State University using his research. Another thing I have been involved with is gathering similar organizations to meet and collaborate about how we can compliment each others work and utilize each others resources instead of competing. Over the next 6 months we are focusing our efforts on a volunteer program and further collaboration and additional Lunch-and-Learn's. The volunteer program will recruit, train, and coordinate individuals who are interested in giving back to the community. The volunteers will gain hands-on skills in the various areas we work, something that will help them land jobs later. Also, we will work with other organizations so they can utilize our volunteer base. The organizations working towards sustainable urban agriculture are in need of volunteers, so we are hoping to further the goals of local food systems by continuing to bridge gaps and build networks of support and resources. Already we have raised over $1000 with little effort and have increased the knowledge of global/local hunger and poverty as well as the World Food Programs efforts abroad.