You stay up on current events, you’re well-aware of the travesties that occur across our planet everyday, and you’re concerned about the millions of people — parents, sons and daughters with families and hopes and dreams just like you — who don’t get enough to eat. You want to help, but where to start? Below are five reasons why hosting a meal packaging event may be the perfect way for you to make a difference.
1. The power of example
Meal packaging events are not only impactful and fun, but they are as an easy way to show your friends and family what is important to you. It’s difficult to broach the complex issues of poverty and hunger, but our staff on hand at each event serves as your guide — offering facts, figures, and impact stories straight from the field. So when you don’t have the words to convince your friends hunger is a cause worth fighting against, we do. We’ll show them that changing the universe really isn’t as daunting as it sounds. Just bring them in the door.
2. Give more; gain more
Sure, you could just make a donation and be satisfied in knowing you’re contributing to change. But there are also profound benefits to actively volunteering beyond merely impacting your cause. A recent report reveals that 76% of U.S. adults who volunteer report that volunteering has made them feel physically healthier, and 78% report that volunteering lowers their levels of stress, leading to feeling better than adults who do not volunteer. On top of that, the study shows that companies benefit from employees who volunteer in terms of better employee health and in professional-skills development. Plus, while volunteering, you’ll likely meet some awesome, smart, funny, giving people — in short, people just like you.
3. Proven impact
The majority of meals packaged at Stop Hunger Now events are used to support transformational development programs within schools, public health centers, vocational training institutions and orphanages. A daily school meal provides a strong incentive to send children to school and keep them there, allowing them to focus on their studies rather than their stomachs.
In poor countries, school meals are often the only regular and nutritious meals a child receives; without them, hunger and micronutrient deficiencies can cause irreversible damage to their growing brains and bodies. By supporting proper development of the body and mind, the meals allow the children to become healthy, productive adults capable of breaking the cycle of poverty in their family.
4. We’ll handle the heavy lifting
Meal packaging events are organized to maximize your group’s giving efficiency and make the most of the time you have to serve. The streamlined assembly-line process means you’re never left standing around feeling unfulfilled or useless. Every person has a skill that we help to shine — from becoming the event sealer, runner, boxer or beyond. The high-energy of passionate volunteers keeps the process moving so we can get the meals sealed up and shipped off right away to those who need them most.
5. Dance parties
Yes, dance parties. Sometimes you just gotta dance. Even if everyone is watching — we guarantee they’ll love you anyway (maybe even more!).
Now it’s your turn to make a difference. Pull on your dancing shoes, grab some friends and simply fill out this form to express your interest in making a tangible impact on the world around you. Every single meal moves us one step closer to a planet free from the burden and confines of hunger. Help us make an imPACK on global hunger.
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