About 50 volunteers from Decatur United Methodist Church on Sunday packaged 10,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger, a non-profit organization that help feed people in need in about 70 countries worldwide.
The packing event, which lasted under two hours, involved volunteers from children to senior adults preparing the non-perishable, rice-based meals with soybeans and dehydrated vegetables.
The packets were measured, weighed and vacuum-sealed before being packed into boxes, which were placed on a pallet in a moving truck.
Janet Thomas, who serves on the church’s mission team, said the church raised $2,944 to pay for the meals through donations and pledges. This event was held in conjunction with the church’s biannual revival.
“This was something that (Decatur UMC pastor) Rev. Susannah (Grubbs-Carr) had done at a previous church, and we wanted to participate,” Thomas said.
Pat Ware, community representative for Rise Against Hunger, said that while they are not affiliated with a specific denomination, the organization has worked closely with several United Methodist Churches in Mississippi. They have also worked with businesses and civic groups such as Rotary International.
“Our organization partners with groups that are already working in countries that are in need of help,” Ware said. “We use them to help distribute the meals.”
One thing that Ware hopes is that people who volunteer during these events will be inspired to help stop hunger around the world.
“Maybe one person will be inspired to take on world hunger and find a way to end it around the world,” Ware said. “That’s one of our goals, to help inspire others to end hunger.”
