Oxfam America

Fast for a World Harvest

Working together for change

Forty percent of the people on our planet—more than 2.5 billion—live in poverty, struggling to survive on less than $2 a day. In every nation on earth, people go to sleep hungry even though our planet produces enough food to feed every woman, man, and child.

Oxfam supporters have a long history of working for change. On the Thursday before Thanksgiving 1974, 250,000 people nationwide participated in the first Oxfam America Fast for a World Harvest; they fasted for the day or a meal, donating their food money to Oxfam. So began a national movement to alleviate global poverty and hunger.

More than just a means of addressing hunger issues, the Fast has come to symbolize the grassroots nature of working together for change. And there are many ways to help.

Host a special food crisis Hunger Banquet® event this fall

In the past six months, 100 million people, no longer able to afford the food they need, have joined the ranks for the hungry. Help raise awareness of the global food crisis by hosting your own food crisis Hunger Banquet®. The following materials will help ensure that your event is a success. Login or register for free materials, then go to our resource page to download:

  • Fast for a World Harvest Sourcebook to help you plan your event step by step.
  • Food Crisis Hunger Banquet® script, a special version created just for these events.
  • Food Crisis Fact Sheet, for background information and to use as a hand out.
  • Organizer & sign up form, return these and receive an Oxfam t-shirt as our thank you.

And check out the other free materials, including posters and banners that will help you host a memorable event.

Fast Features

A Seat at the Table
A Seat at the Table

Step into the world where food is often scarce and difficult decisions have to be made every day. A Seat at the Table is an interactive educational experience based on Oxfam America's Hunger Banquet® event.

Host an Oxfam America Hunger Banquet® Event
Host an Oxfam America Hunger Banquet® Event
Few experiences bring to life the inequalities in our world more powerfully than an Oxfam America Hunger Banquet event.
Organize another event
Organize another event
Become part of an important tradition by organizing any one of a range of Fast events and donating the proceeds to Oxfam America. Your efforts will raise awareness about global hunger and poverty and will motivate others to make a difference.
Attend an event
Attend an event
Turn your concern and your desire to make a difference into action! Check for Fast events in your area.

Contact Oxfam's Fast Team

We're always here to help with your Fast event planning.

800-597-FAST | fast@oxfamamerica.org

Please send your Fast donations to:

Oxfam America
Attn: Fast Team
226 Causeway St., 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02114

Fast for a World Harvest
Download free materials
Get the tools and resources you need to make your Oxfam America Hunger Banquet® event or other Fast event a success!

IMPORTANT: As of October 13, 2008 Oxfam America has a new eCommunity system. All passwords have been reset. If you have not logged in since October 13, 2008, please use the “Need/forgot your password” link to have your new temporary password e-mailed to you. We recommend you change your password after you log in.


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DVD: "Your Oxfam America Hunger Banquet® Event": Multimedia Introduction and Conclusion »

An engaging opening and close to your event, featuring footage from our work around the world. Recommended as part of your Oxfam America Hunger Banquet event presentation. Ten minutes. Click here to order.

Oxfam America Hunger Banquet® Webinar »

Are you interested in holding an Oxfam America Hunger Banquet®? Download a free, pre-recorded presentation by our staff that covers the details on how to organize yours! Get started »
Public events calendar
See the creative events being organized around the country and in your community. Or add your own event to the list.