Adelphi Frat Gearing Up For Super Hungerfest '13

As Americans gear up for Superbowl XLVII feasts across the country, thousands of people right here on Long Island won't know where their next meal is coming from.

It's a startling reality that Kappa Sigma frat brothers intend to raise awareness about as they fast for 24 hours leading up to this year's ultimate football game.

Chapter president Alex Lucks is hoping this year's Super Hungerfest event will be bigger and better than last year's. "I pledged Kappa Sigma in spring 2010 and have been involved ever since," he said. "The first Super Hungerfest that I actively participated in was Superbowl XLV in 2011."

This year 48 brothers are expected to participate in what has become an annual call to action for Adelphi University students. The boys will fast from all food and beverages for the 24 hours preceding the Superbowl.

"We will be fasting from 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2 to the kick-off on Sunday Feb. 3," Lucks said.

The event has actually been around since 2007 though Lucks said the turnout and funds were significantly smaller back then. In the beginning, all monies raised helped the World Hunger Programme, a United Nations program that helps combat hunger on a global scale.

"Super Hungerfest has grown dramatically since its inception. In the beginning, the event remained very small and was only attended by Adelphi students," he said. "Now, a major factor in the success of Super Hungerfest is the participation of the greater community."

Last year's Hungerfest collected more than 900 pounds of non-perishable food and raised more than $3,500 for Island Harvest thanks to the efforts of residents in Garden City, New Hyde Park and West Hempstead. The event has helped the non-profit organization since 2011.

"Food insecurity and hunger is something that hits close to home for our fraternity, especially on Superbowl weekend," Lucks said. "Americans spent $50 million on food for last year's Superbowl. We wanted to draw attention to the thousands of Long Islanders that don't know where their next meal is coming from, especially on Superbowl Weekend, a time when most households gorge themselves on food and drink."

In past years local businesses like Prime Fine Catering and Adelphi Deli have helped the boys break their fast - just in time for kickoff - with traditional Superbowl eats.

"Local businesses and parents have donated food for our brothers to finally eat just in time for the Superbowl. A couple of our brothers are roommates in West Hempstead and have offered to host the celebration," Lucks said. "It's a great time that we look forward to each year."

Any local residents or businesses interested in donating non-perishable food should contact Lucks at alexanderlucks@mail.adelphi.edu. The brothers are happy to pick up the food any time over Superbowl weekend.