From Fast to Feast: Students Tackle Food Scarcity
This November, the National Honor Society (NHS) at Shanghai American School’s Puxi campus reimagined their traditional 30 Hour Fast into a new initiative called A Plate for All. Instead of fasting, the event shifted focus to a pressing global issue: food scarcity and inequality.
The heart of the event was a cooking challenge with a twist. Students teamed up and worked with limited budgets to shop for and prepare meals – an eye-opening exercise that mirrored the struggles many around the world face every day. It wasn’t just about cooking, the activity combined teamwork, problem-solving, and hands-on learning as students navigated the complexities of creating balanced meals with modest resources. “Attending A Plate for All really taught us how privileged we are as SAS students,” reflected Rachel, a junior and NHS's Public Relations Officer. “Most significantly, we learned how to cherish this and the importance of helping others in need.”
Ms. Jessica Chiang, high school teacher and event organizer, shared, “It was a very special experience to see students practicing their real-life skills such as budgeting and learning how to make a well-balanced meal for themselves and those around them.”
The impact didn’t stop in the kitchen. Students across the campus came together to collect an impressive 372 food items and raised additional funds to purchase even more donations. These contributions will be sent to the Green Food Bank, an organization that supports low-income families by reducing food waste.
Events like A Plate for All highlight what makes SAS unique — a community where students are encouraged to grow as compassionate, globally minded changemakers. By engaging in activities that blend learning and giving back, students not only connect with critical issues but also learn to appreciate the power of collective action.
