Colorful Crops and Communities: Art for a World Without Hunger

Explain that the class will be doing a "Sensory Harvest" brainstorm to gather ideas for their art. They will think about what a world with enough food feels like, and what it's like when people don't have enough. Then, the class will think about how they can help! Draw three sections on the whiteboard: The Full Plate (Having Enough), The Empty Plate (Not Enough) and Planting Seeds of Hope (Actions)

Ask students to close their eyes (if comfortable) or just imagine a delicious, healthy meal. Ask questions like: What do you see on the plate? What do you smell? What do you hear (like people eating or cooking)? How do you feel in your body and emotions when you have enough food? What do healthy foods taste like?

Examples: See: Bright red apples, green leafy salads, warm bread, colorful fruits, steam rising from soup. Smell: Fresh-baked cookies, savory spices, sweet fruit. Hear: Chewing, laughter, clinking forks, sizzle from a pan, satisfied sighs. Feel: Full, warm, strong, energetic, happy, content, thankful. Taste: Sweet, juicy, salty, crispy, fresh, yummy.

Write these sensory words under "The Full Plate" using one color marker (e.g., blue).

Ask students to shift their focus and imagine a plate that is empty, and someone that is hungry. Ask questions like: What might you see around them? What might you hear (or not hear)? How might their body and emotions feel?

Note: Emphasize that we're imagining, not trying to scare anyone, depending on your class's sensitivity.

Examples: See: Empty shelves, worried faces, hungry bodies, faded colors, quiet rooms, dirt, cracked ground in gardens. Hear: Tummy rumbling, sad sighs, silence where there should be laughter, quiet footsteps, no sounds of cooking. Feel: Weak, tired, sad, worried, scared, frustrated, cold, dizzy. Taste: None, because there's no food.

Write these under "The Empty Plate" using a different color marker (e.g., red).

Based on the contrast, ask students: What actions can people take to help make sure everyone has enough healthy food? What does it look like when people are helping to end hunger?

Examples: Sharing food, planting gardens, volunteering at a food bank, collecting cans of food, building farms, teaching others to grow food, talking about it, reaching out a hand, giving hugs, delivering meals, making food healthy, scientists finding new ways to grow food, using less food waste.

Write these actions under "Planting Seeds of Hope" using the blue marker (or whichever marker you started with).

This brainstorm will provide a rich pool of ideas for the upcoming art.

Give each student a large sheet of paper. Explain that they will create an artwork that tells a story about Global Goal 2: Zero Hunger.

Offer two main approaches for their artwork:
1. "Before and After Picture": Divide your paper into two halves. On one side, draw/paint/collage something from "The Empty Plate" or a "challenge." On the other side, draw/paint/collage something from "The Full Plate" or a "Planting Seeds of Help" action. This shows the journey from challenge to hope.
2. "One Powerful Idea": Create one picture that shows a strong message about either "The Full Plate" (joy, abundance, sharing) OR a powerful "Planting Seeds of Help" action.

Encourage students to use the words and ideas from the "Sensory Harvest" brainstorm to make their art come alive. Provide access to a variety of art supplies. Emphasize that all art styles are welcome, and they should use the materials they feel most comfortable with to express their message.

Circulate around the classroom, offering support and encouraging experimentation. Ask open-ended questions to spark creativity and deeper thinking.

Have students write a very short "Artist Statement" on the back of their artwork or on a small separate slip of paper.

Encourage students to give their artwork a creative title.

A template can be provided if needed:
My artwork (title) shows [what was drawn/painted/collaged] about Global Goal 2. I want people to feel/think [a feeling or idea] when they see it.

Have students carefully place their finished artwork on tables or tape them to a designated wall space to create a "gallery."

Explain that the class will take a "Gallery Walk." They will move slowly and quietly around the room, looking at everyone's artwork. Don't touch, and don't talk. Just look and think.

As they look at each piece, choose one word or one positive thought that comes to mind for each artwork. It could be "hopeful," "colorful," "strong," "kind," or "delicious." Have the students keep that thought in their mind as they move.

After the walk, have students return to their seats. Instruct them to close their eyes for a moment and think about all the amazing art they just saw created by their classmates. Encourage them to feel the positive energy in the room from all the creative ideas about Global Goal 2.