Food for Thought

Kenya native Esther Ngumbi brings a message of empowerment to NC State next week, when she shares her experiences fighting hunger as a student at the University of Idaho. Ngumbi, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in entomology, spearheaded a program called “the Move-Out campaign” that collected more than two tons of food, as well as clothing and furniture, at UI last year.

“Each student and professor can contribute to a program like the one we started,” she said in a phone interview.  “It only takes a small step to begin the long journey of eradicating hunger. We are the generation with the potential and passion to end world hunger for good.  Our time is now.”

Ngumbi’s speech, sponsored by the Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service to coincide with the beginning of Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Week, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, in the Talley Student Center Ballroom. Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend.

The event also kicks off NC State’s month-long preparation for Human Rights Day, which will be observed Dec. 10.

Ngumbi, who came to the U.S. in 2005, is a passionate advocate for the poor.

“I have experienced hunger firsthand,” she said. “I want to share my experiences and those of my community to bring a voice to the problem of global hunger.”

Move-Out was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the University of Idaho Sustainability Center to further its efforts.  Ngumbi hopes the money will help promote the development of similar programs at other universities.

Written by Tori Holder