FAQs
When is this year’s 40 Hour Famine?
The 2021 40 Hour Famine Challenge is officially taking place from 27-29 August, but you can participate any time, choosing your own ‘Famine Challenge’ or fundraising event.
What is the 40 Hour Famine?
Now in its 46th year, the 40 Hour Famine remains one of Australia's largest youth events. For 40 hours participants go without something important, raising much-needed awareness and funds for World Vision's work to address hunger and the threat of famine.
Since 1975, the 40 Hour Famine has raised over $200 million to support projects across 26 countries. Millions of people have benefited from the sacrifices of young Australians like you. Food has been the traditional choice for participants to go without, however many others have gone without technology, furniture, talking or even the use of a limb.
Through this year's 40 Hour Famine, you'll be supporting the fight against famine - it truly is a global crisis. As you read this tragically, 34 million people are teetering on the brink of famine.
What is this year’s 40 Hour Famine Challenge?
This year, we’re standing in solidarity with vulnerable children and communities who have been devastated by a deadly mix of conflict, COVID-19, extreme weather events and acute hunger.
We’re getting up close and personal with hunger by challenging you to live without something you rely on for 40 hours, such as furniture, transport, technology. You could sleep in a box, wash cars, hold your own fundraiser, walk 40 kilometres - the choice is yours! Be as creative as you like, and you can do it in a group or on your own.
How do I register for the 2021 40 Hour Famine?
You can register here as an individual, join an existing team or create your own team.
When is the last day to register as a 40 Hour Famine Challenge participant?
Participants can register all the way up to (and on) the challenge weekend.
What can I eat/drink if I give up food during the 40 Hour Famine?
If you are choosing to go without food for a period of time, we recommend you drink plenty of water or fruit juice to keep hydrated. We also suggest eating a glucose product from time to time for energy. Avoid drinks with caffeine (acts as a stimulant and will dehydrate you) or milk as you may feel unwell.
When you finish the 40 Hour Famine, ease your way back to normal eating by having something light and healthy.
Try to take it easy during the 40 Hour Famine weekend. We don’t recommend playing sport or doing too much physical activity while fasting. And please make sure to inform a parent or care giver if you feel unwell.
Important: We want you to be safe, so, if you are unwell, diabetic, on medication, elderly, pregnant, breast-feeding, playing sports, or have any other food or dietary requirements/concerns, please choose a different World Vision 40 Hour Famine challenge – you can be creative, there are plenty of alternative activities to choose from.
Where does the money I raise go?
The money you raise will help support hungry children and families through food, cash and voucher distribution, food for work and school meals programs. These life-changing activities will support people in vulnerable countries including Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan.
Did you know that $25 could deliver clean water for families, or that $50 could provide nutritional supplements to treat malnourished children? You truly can make a difference.
How can people donate?
To donate to your fundraising campaign all donations must be received online via a debit or credit card transaction.
Do I need insurance to run a weekend challenge event?
If you are hosting the event as part of your school or church, it is likely to already have public liability insurance. Please discuss this with your school or church administration before proceeding. World Vision insurance does not extend to third party events, and therefor events sites are required to organise their own. Upon registering, please take time to read and accept the 40 Hour Famine Terms and Conditions.
