BLACKSBURG – One hundred members of Blacksburg United Methodist Church and the greater community gathered Saturday in a meal packing event that provided 15,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger, an initiative to end hunger around the world.
The boxes contain a combination of rice, soy, vegetables, and vitamins. Meals will be distributed through school feeding programs in areas hard hit by hunger, providing the benefits of both food and education.
This is the third time Blacksburg United Methodist Church has sponsored a Rise Against Hunger event.
“This event is always a really fun and meaningful way to gather together and help children across the globe,” said Dick Arnold, coordinator of the SERVE outreach ministries at BUMC.
After an opening prayer by Pastor Brad Dulaney, David Thomas-Bush of Rise Against Hunger, ran through the instructions and the mission of Rise Against Hunger.
“More than meals, our program works to provide a path out of poverty,” said Thomas-Bush. “The work you do here supports education, skills training, and health services with every meal.”
David’s rocking playlist with hits from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s made the time fly as volunteers scooped soy, rice, and dehydrated vegetables, added vitamin packets, sealed the bags, and packed boxes. With every 1000 meals packed, a gong sounded, and a cheer went up.
The enthusiastic volunteers included Virginia Tech students from the Wesley Foundation, members of The Common Ingredient, the BUMC youth group, and volunteers from age five to eighty-five from Blacksburg United Methodist Church and throughout the community.
“Our Sunday School class, Journey, is delighted to organize this inspiring event again,” said Jennifer Cooper, a member of BUMC. “The mission is simple and powerful: come together with friends and neighbors to make a direct impact on the serious problem of hunger in the world.”
Blacksburg United Methodist Church
