Students in Grades 7–9 at Lacombe Christian School in Canada have been choosing to go hungry—for a purpose. During the 2024–25 school year, they took part in a 30-hour fast, an experience designed to help them better understand the reality of hunger while responding to God’s call to feed those in need around the world.

The school runs this powerful initiative in a two-years-on, one-year-off rhythm to keep the experience meaningful and sustainable. This ensures that every middle school student has the opportunity to participate twice during their Grades 7–9 journey.

After thoughtful consideration of their mission to share Christ’s hope with families facing hunger and poverty, the school partnered with World Renew. Through World Renew’s FastForward Challenge, students were equipped with practical resources to support their fundraising—using pledge forms and simple giving methods like cash and e-transfer to make participation accessible and effective.

A Challenge That Inspires Action

The FastForward event begins with a kickoff chapel, where students engage with stories and videos that highlight both the harsh realities of global hunger and the real impact their fundraising can have through World Renew’s work.

Before the fast begins at 1:00 PM, students gather for a “last meal,” often organized by the student council—pizza, pasta, or hotdogs. Then the challenge begins. Students return home and experience what it means to skip meals and snacks, often while watching family members eat around them.

The following day continues as a regular school day, reminding students that hunger doesn’t pause daily responsibilities. After classes, students come together for a closing celebration with games, music, and activities—followed by a 7:00 PM “break-the-fast” meal served by parent volunteers. Over time, this meal has shifted from a simple rice dish to a light breakfast-style offering, easing students back into eating.

The goal is to keep the experience engaging without losing sight of its deeper purpose. As Grade 9 teacher and organizer Michele Noort shares:

“We try to make our event desirable to do but also to keep in mind that it should not be easy; this is how many people live.”

Real Impact, Lasting Perspective

The students’ efforts are making a tangible difference. In the 2024–25 school year, they raised an incredible $11,457 CAD (approximately $8,400 USD) in support of World Renew’s World Hunger initiatives.

Just as important as the funds raised are the perspectives gained. Students reflected honestly on their experience:

• Hunter shared, “I did the fast because it would help people who didn’t have 3 meals a day like we do.”
• Brogan added, “It sounded fun and I like raising money for other people.”
• A group of female students described the fast as both challenging and eye-opening—helping them recognize how often food is taken for granted and how difficult it is to go without.

These voices highlight that FastForward is more than a fundraiser—it’s a formative experience that helps young people step into the reality of hunger and grow in compassion and action.

As Scripture reminds us in Isaiah 58:6–7:

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”

Join the Movement to End World Hunger

This is the power of collective action—and it’s something your community can be part of.

Whether you’re a school, church, or community group anywhere in the world, you can make a difference. Host your own FastForward event, organize a special offering, or create a unique fundraiser that rallies people around the cause.

Every dollar raised helps provide food and hope to families around the world.

Give now. Together, we can end world hunger.