What is the meal packaging program?
Stop Hunger Now's meal packaging program is a volunteer-based effort through which volunteers package high protein, dehydrated meals for use in crisis situations and which provides a highly nutritious meal to support school feeding programs in schools and orphanages around the world.
How does the program work?
Stop Hunger Now’s meal packaging program program provides much needed meals to the world's hungry, and is a fun, hands-on volunteer opportunity for caring people of all ages in churches, civic organizations, and businesses. Through the program, our greatest dream is being realized—thousands of volunteers are learning the value of addressing hunger and are joining together in creating a world without hunger. They are taking action by volunteering to package meals and helping spread the word. In addition to packaging thousands of meals for shipment, volunteers enjoy the warmth and fellowship that comes with working together for a good cause. Stop Hunger Now encourages all groups to consider volunteering on a regular basis as a commitment to ending world hunger.
Who can participate in the meal packaging program?
People of all ages can particapte. Volunteers as young as 5 have packaged and as old as 95. The assembly line process allows for many different jobs. We can always find a job suited for everyone's needs.
How many volunteers will I need?
On average, 40-50 volunteers can package 10,000 meals in two hours. However, there is no set number of volunteers for each event. Contact your local program coordinator for specific details on the number of volunteers needed for your packaging event.
How much does it cost Stop Hunger Now to package these meals?
Each meal costs Stop Hunger Now 25¢ to prepare. There are six meals or servings contained in each bag. Your contribution covers the cost of the raw ingredients and ensures the sustainability of our program. Although shipping expenses are not included in this 25¢ per meal cost, Stop Hunger Now is committed to partnering with our overseas shipping contacts to move the food as quickly as possible.
Where will the food be stored?
The food is stored in our warehouse locations until it is shipped to our in-country partners who then distribute the meals.
How will the food get from the warehouse to the distribution center in country?
The food will reach the distribution centers by overseas freight shipping.
How will you get the food into the hands of those who need it?
Stop Hunger Now works with partners around the world who administer the food to people with the greatest need. The pre-packaged meals are primarily used to support school lunch feeding programs. They are also used as part of emergency relief efforts when disasters strike.
How is the food prepared?
The meals are prepared by mixing them with boiling water. Boiling serves as a method of cleansing the water if it is contaminated. It also ensures a hot meal.
What do the meals consist of?
The high protein dehydrated meals contain a fortified rice-soy mixture that includes dehydrated vegetables, chicken flavoring and 21 essential vitamins and minerals.
Is Stop Hunger Now affiliated with any religious organization?
While many of our donations come from Christian organizations and other religious groups, Stop Hunger Now is not affiliated with any religious organization. Stop Hunger Now is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
