By Christina Smith

In an attempt to raise student awareness of poverty issues, the Progressive Students Union (PSU) and the One Campaign performed a 92-second blockade in the Mack Student Center dining hall Monday to symbolize the 923 million hungry people in the world.

“We chose the Student Center because it’s the main dining location, but also because many people have to walk through here, too,” said Anna Rawlins, a junior who is a member of PSU. “It’s a heavily concentrated area.” Despite lasting for less than two minutes, Rawlins said the length of 92 seconds was chosen as a ratio to the worldwide hunger statistic.

The body-blockade was formed at both of the main entrances to the eatery and cafeteria area, while a banner was dropped from the upper level of the student center. Most volunteers stood to block the entrances of the dining services, however, one student volunteer made a speech about the One Campaign and the growing hunger issues around the world.

“I was actually approached by people who said ‘Wow, I never realized that,'” Rawlins said. “Some people really listened to the whole speech.”

According to Isabelle Goodman, a junior who is president of PSU, Lackmann Services even agreed to refuse serving food during the 92-second barrier.

“Lackmann, Student Affairs and Public Safety were all really supportive of our efforts and actions,” Goodman said.