Volunteers needed to pack, send 500,000 meals

“Practicing for 1,000,000” is the theme of the fifth annual Stop Hunger Now meal packing event on Wednesday, Feb. 12 and Thursday, Feb. 13. 

Four Over-the-Mountain churches plan to pack and send 500,000 meals to schoolchildren in lesser-developed countries. Working through the hunger relief organization Stop Hunger Now, church members and volunteers from the community will meet at Canterbury United Methodist Church (350 Overbrook Road) to package the dehydrated meals. 

The meals combine rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and a flavoring mix including 21 essential vitamins and minerals into small packets. Each meal costs only 25 cents, has a shelf life of five years and transports quickly.

“At 25 cents a meal, a check for $25 will feed 100 people,” said Rachel Estes, outreach director at Canterbury United Methodist Church. “It’s the cheapest dinner party you can host.” 

The churches heading up this event are Saint Luke’s Episcopal, Vestavia Hills United Methodist, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal and Canterbury United Methodist. 

The first year volunteers packed 142,560 meals, and the past three years, with the help of other churches, they prepared more than 500,000 meals total.

“The enthusiasm for this event is catching on in our community, and each year we have more volunteers and monetary donations,” Estes said. “We are increasing our commitment by setting a goal of assembling a million meals in 2015, so this year’s February event will be an opportunity to practice for a million.” 

To reach the goal of 500,000 meals, the churches need volunteers from the community in addition to their own members. About 4,000 volunteers are needed during the two-day period. 

There are roles for all ages and skill levels, and organizers encourage area businesses, Boy Scouts, garden clubs, classrooms, sports teams, Bible clubs, book clubs, supper clubs, families and anyone wanting to participate in a meaningful outreach project to participate. Jobs involve everything from scooping dried food to lifting heavy boxes to sorting containers. 

Volunteers are asked to register in advance and may sign up for one- or two-hour shifts. Childcare is available. 

To register or to donate to the cause, go to events.stophungernow.org/5churchesbirmingham.