KU News Release

Student organizations co-host Latin American Food Festival

LAWRENCE — Students, faculty and staff from the University of Kansas and members of the Lawrence community are invited to gather at 6:30 tonight at Ecumenical Christian Ministries, 1204 Oread Ave., for the annual Latin American Food Festival.

This year’s event will include live music, guest speakers and a buffet of Latin American cuisine donated by 11 local restaurants. A $5 suggested donation will benefit the humanitarian aid organization No More Deaths.

KU’s Spanish Club and Latin American Solidarity share a common mission of “supporting the efforts of Latin Americans for a dignified way of life, free from violence, poverty, war and oppression.”

No More Deaths is a humanitarian aid organization to end death and suffering on the U.S.-Mexico border and uphold fundamental human rights. Volunteers spend a week camping in the Sonora Desert leaving food and water bottles at strategic locations to help migrant travelers. Marta Caminero-Santangelo, associate professor of English, and several KU students will talk about their experiences volunteering for the organization.

“My time volunteering with No More Deaths could best be described as a visceral experience,” said Erin Birney, a KU senior who volunteered for No More Deaths through KU’s Alternative Breaks program. “The beauty of the Sonora Desert is contrasted by the treacherous landscape in which migrants crossing over have died of dehydration or other causes. By strategically placing water and food along popular trails, No More Deaths attempts to curb the deadly effects of the rugged environment.”

The money raised by the festival will fund direct aid in the form of medical, food and water supplies. Since 1998, more than 2,000 men, women, and children have died trying to cross the Mexican-U.S. border. The organization and movement started in 2004 to prevent further deaths.

Students who attend the event will earn points toward completing the Global Awareness Program.

Food and drink will be donated by Carlos O’Kelly’s, On the Border, Chipotle, La Tropicana, Mirth, Tortas Jalisco, Henry’s, Checkers, Local Burger, Cielito Lindo, Ixtapa and Tres Mexicanos.

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