Support Iowa Non-Profit in Packaging 260,000 Meals on MLK Day
More than 800 volunteers are needed one week from today at three locations in central and western Iowa for an effort to fight hunger. Dani Reick, spokeswoman for the non-profit Meals from the Heartland, is coordinating meal packaging events on Martin Luther King Junior Day at facilities in Des Moines, West Des Moines, and Omaha/Council Bluffs. The goal is to package roughly 260,000 total meals for those in need.
Expert Insight on the Mission
Dani Reick shares that since 2008, Meals from the Heartland has packaged and distributed almost 250 million meals, benefiting children and families in need locally, across the U.S., and worldwide. She emphasizes the impact of these efforts, noting that all taco mac bags stay local, with donations going to food pantries and the Food Bank for the Heartland.
Volunteer Experience and Impact
Volunteers will undergo a brief training session before working on an assembly line-type packaging system. Typically, eight to 10 people will collaborate at a table to package one bag at a time, making a significant impact on Iowa families in need. Shifts are approximately two hours long, ensuring a quick and efficient process.
Location-Specific Volunteer Needs
Specific volunteer requirements include 135 volunteers at Polk County River Place in Des Moines, 160 volunteers at the Embassy Suites in Omaha’s Old Market, and 520 volunteers at the West Des Moines Packaging Center. Individuals, families, and groups can sign up for any of the three locations through the Meals from the Heartland website.
Engaging Question: How will you contribute to packaging 260,000 meals and making a difference in your community on Martin Luther King Junior Day? Join the cause and be a part of this impactful initiative by volunteering your time and effort. Your contribution can help provide essential meals to those in need, creating a positive change one bag at a time.
