People from across North America are gathering in Guelph, Ont. this weekend for the annual Universities Fighting World Hunger Summit.
It's the sixth summit, but the first time the event has taken place outside the U.S. It seems to have gotten off on the right foot, with an inspirational story.
Joseph Henry is a University of Alabama student who has been running for two weeks straight, raising money and awareness for the United Nations World Food Program.
He says he's gained a lot of support from Canadians.
"I think might have something to do with the Terry Fox story, just that sort of running for a cause is something very emotional and that a lot of Canadians can connect with," he says. "We got a lot more friendly honks and waves along the way, and people being so generous supporting the cause."
The journey was dubbed ‘Hunger 500,' for the number of miles he has run from Washington, D.C. to Guelph, Ont.
The event, which is the largest of its kind so far, is expected to host about 400 guests. Last year's summit at Auburn University hosted about half that number.
Alastair Summerlee, president of the University of Guelph, says "It's a landmark event, primarily I think because it was an idea instigated by a student, and then organized almost entirely by an undergraduate student."
Gavin Armstrong is a summit organizer, he says "When I attended the summit last year, I was just surprised by the students who are really trying to end world hunger, and I felt that Universities Fighting World Hunger's culture really reflected University of Guelph's culture."
Recent world events have sent both food and crude oil prices soaring, forcing consumers to spend more on groceries and gas. It is an international problem that has hit impoverished countries like Haiti the hardest.
Henry hopes the weekend summit will help change all of that, "Action is powerful, that the problems involved with hunger and poverty are large, but they can be solved if we act."
There are a number of discussions and keynote speeches on the agenda, including from former governor general Michaelle Jean.
One of the highlights is also expected to be the launch of a new Campbell's product at Saturday's luncheon. Called ‘Nourish,' it's a protein-packed meal ideal for those on a limited budget.
