RIDGEWOOD—Assemble and pack 10,000 meals in two hours? That’s what 92 members and friends of West Side Presbyterian Church were able to accomplish for Rise Against Hunger, a growing global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives, and responding to emergencies.
Among the volunteers were several from Westwood and the wider Pascack Valley area.
“We originally planned on recruiting 80 volunteers, which was a tall order,” said Rev. Christine Park, pastoral associate at West Side Presbyterian Church. “But we ended up closing the registration at 92 participants.”
According to Rev. Penny Hogan, associate pastor, volunteers ranged in age from 3 to 91.
“It was an opportunity to serve with people you knew and people you haven’t met before. It was perfect for singles, families and couples. And it was an opportunity for everyone to serve side by side because every job was important to the success of the event,” Hogan told Pascack Press on June 6.
She added, “The room was so energized; it filled my heart! The representatives from Rise Against Hunger brought music, speakers and a huge gong. Every time we filled a box with 250 meals, they would ring the gong and everyone would cheer. It was a lot of fun!”
The packets of food contain enriched rice, protein powder, dehydrated vegetables and a vitamin supplement that provides 100% of recommended daily nutrients. In 2021, 17 million meals were packaged and distributed around the world.
Park said, “Rise Against Hunger will be letting us know where our meals will be delivered. They will also be educating us on why the meals were sent to certain destinations. While we don’t see the faces, we get to feel the impact of our efforts beyond the initial event.”
Organizers said another event is planned for fall.
Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization, has locations across the United States and five international offices. The organization provides immediate nourishment for those facing hunger today and implements sustainable solutions that will lift entire communities for years to come.
Rise Against Hunger has facilitated volunteer meal packaging of more than 540 million meals to be distributed to countries around the world. For more information visit riseagainsthunger.org.
West Side Presbyterian Church, founded in 1912, “is a welcoming church, rooted deeply in Christ, inviting all to connect, grow and serve.” Visit West Side at 6 South Monroe St. in Ridgewood. For more information visit westside.org or call (201) 652-1966.