About Fasting | Reflection & Prayer | Wage Theft | Farmworker Justice | Immigration| Events

THE PRACTICE OF FASTING

“Is this not the fast that I choose…to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house?” - Isaiah 58:6-7

“Fasting has always been in the Christian, Jewish and Muslim tradition, and as people of faith seek increasingly to struggle for justice…it’s a natural outgrowth that fasting would be something they do.” Kim Bobo, Interfaith Worker Justice

WHY FAST FOR 40 HOURS?

The number 40 has special significance in both religious and labor tradition. In religious history, the 40 days of Lent, the 40 days of rain in the Great Flood, and the Israelites’ 40 years wandering in the wilderness are examples of this deeply symbolic number. The 40-hour work week, giving workers the weekend for family and rest, was won only after years of struggle and sacrifice by men and women in the labor movement.

HOW DO YOU FAST?

We invite you to not eat solid food for as much of the 40 hours as you can. This may mean fasting from sunrise to sunset on March 2. It may mean fasting from one meal or two, or fasting from snacks between meals, or from desserts. While fasting from solid food, it is important to drink plenty of fluids. In your hunger, you are asked to take action, "to hunger for justice" so that on-going and persistent injustice in New York State may be alleviated.

It is hoped you will invite others (family members, co-workers, your religious congregation, your union brothers and sisters, etc.) to join the Fast. Call 518/ 213-6000, ext. 6294 for more brochures.

Fasters need not change their normal schedule; however, you are encouraged to join with others in your local area for an opening of the Fast on the evening of March 1. Many groups will also "break the fast" together with a simple noon meal and prayer service following the 40th hour on March 3. For a list of 2010 FAST events, click here.

MEDICAL ADVICE FOR FASTING (adapted from Women Against War, sponsor of a 24 hour fast)

Most healthy adults can safely fast for 24 hours. Some people should not participate, however, such as those with diabetes, liver or kidney disease, persons on chronic steroids, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is common to feel some uncomfortable sensations during a period of fasting. These include headache, fatigue, some nausea later in the fast, lightheadedness or dizziness especially with standing up. Regular coffee or tea drinkers are more likely to experience withdrawal headaches or migraines triggered by fasting.

PREPARATIONS FOR FASTING

•In the first 12-16 hours of fasting most of our readily available calorie sources are consumed.
•It probably helps to eat a carbohydrate-rich meal before beginning the fast. Carbohydrate-rich foods include cereals, breads, pasta, grains, rice, legumes.
•Coffee and tea drinkers may try to reduce their consumption several days before their fast.
•Once the fast begins, it is important to conserve energy. Plan to rest and nap throughout the time.
•It helps to have warm clothing to help maintain body temperature.
•It is important to continue to drink plenty of water.

Last Updated:02/12/2010
© Labor-Religion Coalition of New York State