Begin Your Own Odyssey: Be a Hunger Hero

Written By Pat R. Van Burkleo, Executive Director

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, was one of the summer’s biggest box-office successes. When I watched it, I was surprised by how much I remembered from reading Homer’s epic poem in high school. One thing I did not remember was the repeated mention of “Zeus’ Law.” It is a central theme of the movie, so I looked it up after leaving the theater.

Zeus’ Law refers to the ancient Greek principle of hospitality known as xenia. Its message is simple: Treat strangers and guests as you would want to be treated.  A host was expected to:

  • Welcome and protect a traveler or stranger.

  • Provide food, drink, and shelter before questioning them.

  • Treat every guest with dignity and respect—because the stranger might be a god in disguise.

Who knew that food banking and Zeus had so much in common?

Louisiana’s food banks may not expect the gods of Mount Olympus to appear at their doors, but we believe every person who comes to us deserves food, hospitality, and respect.

People seek food assistance for many reasons. A family may face an unexpected medical bill. A senior living on a fixed income may have to choose between groceries and medication. A working parent may see the household budget stretched beyond its limit. A hurricane, job loss, or other crisis can quickly place someone in an unfamiliar and vulnerable position.

Our responsibility is not to judge why someone needs help. It is to welcome our neighbors, provide nutritious food, connect them with additional resources, and treat them with dignity.

At Feeding Louisiana, we intentionally use the word neighbors rather than clients or recipients. The people served by Louisiana’s five regional food banks are members of our communities. They are veterans, seniors, children, working families, and people experiencing circumstances that could affect any of us.

September is Hunger Action Month, a time when people across the country come together to raise awareness and take action to end hunger. You do not have to defeat a Cyclops, cross a dangerous sea, or embark on a 10-year journey to become a hero.

You can be a hunger hero right here in Louisiana:

  • Donate to support your regional food bank.

  • Volunteer at a food bank or community pantry.

  • Advocate for policies and investments that strengthen access to nutritious food.

  • Share information about hunger and encourage others to act.

Nearly 3,000 years after The Odyssey was written, its message still resonates: A healthy society is measured, in part, by how it treats strangers and people in need.

This Hunger Action Month, begin your own odyssey. Welcome your neighbors, protect their dignity, and help ensure that everyone in Louisiana has access to the food they need.

Be a hero. Take action against hunger.

Pat R. Van Burkleo, Executive Director

Pat R. Van Burkleo serves as Executive Director of Feeding Louisiana, the statewide association of Louisiana’s five regional food banks. A values-based leader who has lived in Louisiana for more than 35 years, Pat has dedicated his career to serving the state’s nonprofit community. He leads statewide efforts to strengthen hunger relief, advance anti-hunger policy, and improve access to critical nutrition programs—working closely with food bank leaders, public partners, and communities across Louisiana.

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