Hunger Simulation

Will you be able to feed your family this week?

DMARC’s Hunger Simulation is an immersive interactive experience for you to learn what it’s like to live with food insecurity. In the Hunger Simulation, you take on the identity of a real person experiencing food insecurity.

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Overview

You have 15 minutes to determine your food budget and get the recommended USDA MyPlate servings of fruits, vegetables, protein, grains, and dairy. You can do this by shopping at the grocery store, visiting the food pantry, and applying for SNAP benefits at the DHS office. Once the 15 minutes are up, you will reflect on your experience and share with the rest of the group.

DMARC can either facilitate the Hunger Simulation for your group, or we can get you the resources you need to run a Hunger Simulation yourself!

Experience What It’s Like to Live with Food Insecurity

• Determine your family’s food budget
• Work to get the proper nutrition for your family
• Visit the DHS office, food pantry, and grocery store
• Encounter random “Life Happens” events

I came into the experience still having some of this internalized bias towards poverty. I think the experience made me realize how ‘everyday’ it can be.

– Rachel Coon, Youth Leadership Institute Participant

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Looking to Do Your Own Presentation?

This educational tool was created by DMARC with the intention that anyone across the country could pick up these materials and host their own Hunger Simulation at no cost.

Educate your community

• Download and share the free Canva Template here with all the info you’ll need to get started
• Print out materials for each station and review the how-to guide (pg. 2-4)
• Use this presentation template to create your own presentation here. Guide your group through the activity and include information about food insecurity in your community.