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CHARLOTTE — While many were firing up their grills this Memorial Day Weekend, teens at St. Matthew Catholic Church went without food and shelter to raise awareness and money for the world's hungry.

Just Cause Fast 2012, a tradition at the church for nearly 20 years, had teens fasting for 29 hours, collect non-perishable food items for local food pantries and raise money to benefit two state hunger organizations.

"We fast to create a hunger— not just for food but more importantly for justice for those less fortunate than ourselves; those who may not have a bed to sleep in or a roof over their heads; those who fear for their safety in their own neighborhoods," Youth Minister Katie Dunne said in a release.

Each year, teens use the hunger fast to draw attention to important social justice issues and generate funds for agencies serving those most vulnerable.

This year, participants hope to raise $30,000 to benefit Stop Hunger Now and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.

Just Cause Fast 2012 bagan Saturday, May 26, at 9 a.m. and concluded with Mass at the church at 5:30 p.m. Sunday followed by dinner in the parish center.

During the weekend, teens heard presentations on local, national and global hunger, spent time in prayer and slept outside in cardboard boxes to align themselves with the homeless.

— Jenny Cox, special to the Catholic News Herald

Pictured above: Teens particpate in a previous event. Photo provided by St. Matthew Catholic Church.