When: October 16-23, 2008

This year for World Food Day, Mercy Corps will open the new Action Center to End World Hunger in New York, and kick-off “Hunger Action Week” from October 16-23, 2008. This week of six free-to-the-public events will raise awareness about global hunger and the steps we can all take to make a difference, and will feature signing the ONE Declaration. The Action Center is a first-of-its-kind interactive public space that educates and empowers visitors to tackle the global challenges posed by hunger and poverty.

Click here for more information and to RSVP.

Thursday, October 16: Opening Ceremony
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
The week commences with a ribbon cutting ceremony, press conference and public tours of the Action Center. We will host a continental breakfast for partners, supporters, donors, friends in government and media as well as all of the people who contributed to the creation of the Center.

Friday, October 17: Words for Action
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Mercy Corps and CARE present an evening of spoken word and storytelling featuring Poets House, The Moth and Urban Word NYC, with Jonathan Ames, Andrew Solomon, Regie Cabico, Suzanne Gardinier and Tahani Salah.

Saturday, October 18: SHaZaM!: A Day for Family Action Heroes
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Mercy Corps and Children for Children will empower young people and their families to take action and become heroes in the fight against global hunger. Join us and learn how youth of all ages can make a difference at home and around the world! Featuring interactive activity stations with UNFAO’s Growing Connection, Heifer International, PlayPumps International, Hippo Roller, The Full Belly Project, Media That Matters, City Harvest and music by the Berklee College of Music.

Sunday, October 19: Give Food a Chance
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Upright Citizens Brigade and Funny or Die host a benefit show at the Highline Ballroom featuring performances by Horatio Sanz, Chevy Chase, Matt Walsh, Todd Barry, Bobby Moynihan, Rachel Dratch, Seth Meyers, Jack McBrayer, the Apple Sisters, Miriam Tolan, Jon Glaser, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, and more…to mark the opening of the Action Center.

Tuesday, October 21: Education Exploration: Students Discover Action
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Educators and students, grades 6-12, are invited to explore the interactive exhibits and to step into the shoes of a humanitarian aid “fieldworker.” School group workshops are available throughout the week by registering at education@actioncenter.org.

Tuesday, October 21: Food Fight: Cleaning up the Mess
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Mercy Corps and the Food Bank for New York City co-host a panel discussion exploring the root causes of, and possible solutions to, the current global food crisis—New York Times’ columnist Nicholas Kristof, World Food Prize winner Catherine Bertini, Food Bank for New York City’s President Dr. Lucy Cabrera, NYU Wagner’s Dr. Rogan Kersch and other notable participants.

NOTE
Unless otherwise specified, all events will be held at: The Action Center to End World Hunger, 6 River Terrace in Battery Park City.

-Margaret McDonnell