By Spencer Paterick ’21 Assistant Editor

While most students will relax over break, a group of LVC students and staff members will spend the week serving the community.

Eleven students and two LVC employees will travel to Washington D.C., from March 1-6 to take part in the annual Spring Break service trip. The trip will help participants better understand the issues of hunger and homelessness that exist in the area.

“Participants will spend the week exploring the history, causes and consequences of homelessness and food insecurity in the US through dynamic service-learning opportunities at a wide variety of community and non-profit organizations,” Jen Liedtka, service and volunteerism coordinator, said.

The service trip will benefit Martha’s Table, ONE DC, Central Union Mission, DC Central Kitchen, Food and Friends and the National Coalition for the Homeless. This service experience fulfills the requirements for the Gold Service Award as well as one immersive experience.

“Through discussions, interactions with speakers and educational workshops, students will compare the strengths and limitations of emergency food and housing programs, federal food and nutrition assistance and community-based approaches to organizing for change,” Liedtka said.

Additionally, they will be afforded the opportunity to explore and make connections between food insecurity, the lack of affordable housing and the history of racial injustice in the United States. Not only will students be assisting non-profits, but they will also get the chance to visit MLK Memorial, the African American History Museum, Holocaust Museum, Arlington Cemetery and more.

If anyone would like more information regarding service opportunities at LVC, contact Liedtka at liedtka@lvc.edu