Education and Action at Mesa Community College

MESA, Arizona – October 5, 2016 – Mesa Community College invites community members to learn about food insecurity and hunger and how to contribute to its eradication. Events will be held at both MCC campuses in October in conjunction with annual Empty Bowls events.

“MCC remains engaged in discussions about tough issues affecting its students and the community and encourages collaborations for viable solutions to local and global problems such as food insecurity,” said Sasan Poureetezadi, MCC Interim President. “MCC’s commitment to civic engagement is part of its longstanding dedication to its local and global community.”

The public is encouraged to participate in the following MCC events being held in October at both Mesa Community College campuses. (View the informational Food Security Flyer .pdf)

Food Box Cooking Competitions are a twist on the popular Iron Chef television show. Local chefs, paired with MCC faculty, students, and Mesa civic and organizational leaders, will have an hour to prepare a nutritious and savory meal using ingredients commonly found in local food assistance boxes.

Community Resource Expos feature organizations and the resources they provide to support food security/basic needs in our community.

Achieving Food Security sessions (Southern and Dobson campus only) bring local experts, students and community members together to learn from each other and share innovative solutions to the local and global issue of food insecurity.

Empty Bowls art charity events are made possible through collaborations with local businesses, schools and community groups. For a $10 donation, patrons select a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted ceramic bowl and receive a modest, delicious meal of soup and bread. All proceeds from MCC Empty Bowls events directly benefit those served by Paz de Cristo Community Center, the nonprofit providing anti-hunger and empowerment support for the East Valley's homeless, unemployed, working poor and their families. More than $14,000 was raised last year by MCC Empty Bowl events.

EVENTS CALENDAR

MCC Red Mountain (Mesquite Bldg., Community Room, 7110 E. McKellips Rd.)
Mon., Oct. 17
10 a.m. – Noon -- Community Resource Expo
11 a.m. – Noon -- Food Box Cooking Competition

Wed., Oct. 19 – Empty Bowls
10:30 a.m. -- 3 p.m. & 5-8 p.m.

MCC at Southern and Dobson (1833 W. Southern Ave.)
Mon., Oct. 24
10 a.m. – Noon-- Community Resource Expo (Student Lounge)
11 a.m. – Noon -- Food Box Cooking Competition (Student Lounge)

Tues., Oct. 25 -- Achieving Food Security sessions
9 – 10:15 a.m. – Food insecurity on college campuses: Student stories and open mic (Student Lounge)
10:30 – 11:45 a.m. -- Intersectionality of food deprived situations and social issues that cause hunger (Navajo Room)
Noon -- 1:15 p.m. – Hunger innovations/Empowerment (Navajo Room)

Wed., Oct. 26 – Empty Bowls (Navajo Room)
10:30 a.m. -- 3 p.m. & 5-8 p.m.

“It is a natural evolution to expand the fighting-hunger message of our very successful Empty Bowls events. Our community has come together annually for more than 20 years to support Empty Bowls, raising thousands of dollars to help feed our hungry neighbors,” said Linda Speranza, MCC Art Faculty and longtime, anti-hunger advocate. "We realize some our students might need sustenance support. Many also want to engage in the ongoing fight to help make adequate nutrition available to others in need.”

The tradition of hands-on giving experiences for students, faculty and staff continues throughout the year as many from MCC serve meals at Paz de Cristo, MCC’s Empty Bowls beneficiary.

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Press Release on MCC 2016 Empty Bowls.

Contact
Dawn Zimmer, (480) 461-7892, Dawn.Zimmer@mesacc.edu

About Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for its service-learning, civic engagement and innovative educational programs, which include university transfer, career and technical, workforce development, and lifelong learning. Host to 40,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degrees and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC’s student body hails predominantly from the East Valley of Phoenix and includes Veteran, American Indian and International students who enrich the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. MCC is one of 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. The District also includes the Maricopa Corporate College and two skill centers. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) http://www.ncahlc.org, 800-621-7440.

The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and anequal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.