An interfaith group of University Delaware students from Lutheran Campus Ministry, Episcopal Campus Ministry and Presbyterian Campus Ministry, among others, will host a Hunger Banquet at 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 8, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on South College Avenue.

The event is free and open to the public. Those who plan to attend are encouraged to RSVP to guarantee a spot, though individuals will be accepted at the door.

The goal of the dinner is to raise awareness about food insecurity world-wide, and the event will feature speakers and interactive events.

Spencer Hoernes, a senior majoring in food science in UD’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said that the groups are hoping to “show what actual bare bones poverty is like and to bring awareness to the issues throughout the night through conversations.”

Funds raised at the event will go to Oxfam International, a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty, and Blue Hen Bounty, a new campus-area food pantry led by UD’s Episcopal Campus Ministry that is designed to help students who are food insecure themselves. The pantry is fully stocked with canned meats, fruit and vegetables; various grains and single-serve meals; cereal, snacks and condiments; assorted beverages; and even basic toiletries such as shampoo and toothbrushes.

Cash or food donations for Blue Hen Bounty food pantry are appreciated but not required.

For more information on the dinner, visit the Facebook page or contact Hoernes at shoernes@udel.edu.