About The Famine

What is the 30 Hour Famine?

World Vision's 30 Hour Famine is a worldwide movement of students who are serious about serving God and fighting hunger - all on an empty stomach.  For 30 hours, participants get a taste of hunger by not eating - something more than a billion people around the world experience every day. And by doing fundraising activities, community service projects, and learning more about the facts of world hunger, students are changed in amazing ways as they help others and save lives.

How does the Famine work?

• First, a group needs to sign up to participate in the Famine.  Youth Leaders: click here to sign your group up, or call 1-800-7-FAMINE (800-732-6463).  Students: tell your youth leader about the Famine (not part of a youth group?  No problem.  Sign up as an individual.)
• After a group is signed up, the youth leader will receive a Welcome Kit (a $50 value, but paid for by World Vision) in the mail roughly 3 months before your scheduled Famine event.  This will have everything you need to hold a successful Famine.
• In the weeks approaching your Famine event, participants raise money to help feed hungry kids. Fundraising ideas are mentioned in the Student Guides as well as the Leader's Guide you'll receive in the Welcome Kit.  Our online Planning Guide is another good source for ideas.
• Once the Famine begins, students turn in the funds they've raised so far to the group leader for sending in to World Vision.
• What your group does during the 30 hours is really up to you.  We provide a ton of activities, fundraising and community service ideas, educational tools, and games to choose from (found in the Leader's Guide as well as the online Planning Guide).  It's your group's event, so plan what you think will work well.
• At the end of the 30 hours, it's time for your group to break the fast.  Many groups choose to start with communion.  We offer plenty of creative ideas to make this another impactful part of the Famine.
• Finish strong with Famine Sunday!  Take over church service on Sunday and let your group share about their Famine experience with the whole congregation.  And give your church members the opportunity to change the life of a child in need even more by offering child sponsorship as part of your Famine Sunday. 

When does the Famine take place?

There are two national dates when most groups hold their Famine, but you can choose any date you'd like when you sign up. The national dates for 2010 are February 26-27 and April 23-24.

What does it take to help a hungry child?

Worldwide, the average cost to feed and care for a child for a month is $30 - just $1 a day. The money you raise is designated to provide food and care for children and families in communities where World Vision works.

 That means that if you find twelve people to each donate $30, you've just raised enough money to feed and care for a child for an entire year!  It really is that simple (and that impactful).

If the materials cost $50, why are they considered "Free"?

We know that budgets are tight, and that the number of youth programs competing for your attention is large.  What World Vision offers you is a partnership with your ministry. We'll provide you with a life-changing event that will bring your students closer to Christ and each other - while they raise funds to help feed hungry children through World Vision.

 It's a total win-win situation.  You get a free program to impact your group in amazing ways, and your group helps us feed hungry children when you send in the funds your group raises.  That's why World Vision is able to provide these materials for you for free.

This sounds great!  How do I sign my group up for this year?

You can sign up for the 2010 Famine by calling 1-800-7FAMINE (1-800-732-6463) or by clicking here.  We're excited to partner with you!