On Thursday, September 26, our state office gathered at the Feed My Starving Children packing facility in Eagan, Minnesota, for a day of service and impact. The energy in the room was undeniable, as volunteers from across our office were excited to contribute to a cause that truly makes a big impact on the lives of children worldwide.
This event was an opportunity to bond with colleagues while giving back to those in need. As part of our ongoing commitment to community service and corporate social responsibility, our team was eager to get hands-on in the fight against global hunger.
A Mission to Save Lives
Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit organization with a powerful mission: to provide nutritionally complete meals to starving, malnourished children worldwide. Since its inception in 1987, FMSC has mobilized volunteers across the United States to pack meals for children in need, reaching millions of children in nearly 70 countries.
For many of us, this was our first experience volunteering at an FMSC event, and the impact was immediately apparent. Upon arrival, we were given an overview of the packing process. The meals consist of a dry mix of rice, soy, vegetables, and a blend of vitamins and minerals. Our task was to assemble the ingredients, weigh and seal each package, and pack the bags into boxes, while working with the FMSC staff.
The Power of Collective Effort
By the end of the day, our team had packed an impressive 98 boxes. Each box contained 216 meals, meaning that together, we had packed a total of 21,168 meals—meals that would provide nourishment to children who might otherwise go without food. This felt especially powerful, knowing that every box packed could make a life-saving difference for the children who receive them.
In just a quick hour, our group contributed to an effort that would feed children in far-flung regions across the globe, from orphanages in Haiti to refugee camps in Somalia. It was an incredible reminder of how a relatively small time commitment can have a profound and lasting impact on the world.
Beyond Volunteering: A Financial Contribution
Our involvement didn’t stop with volunteering. In addition to the time we dedicated that day, our organization, FUA, also made a financial contribution of $2,500 to Feed My Starving Children organization. This donation will help cover the cost of ingredients and shipping, allowing the organization to continue its life-saving work. For every 24 cents donated, FMSC can provide one meal to a hungry child. That means our contribution alone will fund over 10,000 additional meals. When combined with the meals we packed that day, our efforts provided more than 31,000 meals to children in desperate need.
A Lasting Impact on Our Team
While the numbers are impressive, the experience of volunteering together as a team was equally meaningful. Our camaraderie and sense of purpose while working together to pack meals strengthened our bonds as colleagues. It allowed us to step outside the day-to-day demands of the office and connect with one another on a personal level, all while contributing to a cause that aligns with our values.
The event also reinforced the importance of corporate social responsibility. By volunteering and making a financial contribution, we demonstrated that our organization is about more than just business—we care about making a positive impact in the world. This aligns with FUA’s core mission of giving back to the community and supporting meaningful causes.
Moving Forward
As we reflect on the opportunity to serve, we are inspired to continue making a difference in any way we can. Whether through future volunteering efforts, donations, or simply raising awareness, we are committed to supporting Feed My Starving Children and similar organizations working tirelessly to improve the lives of those in need.
We hope our story encourages others to get involved, whether through volunteering or donating to a cause that resonates with them. It doesn’t take much to make a huge impact. As our day at Feed My Starving Children showed, even a few hours of service can help change the lives of countless children around the world. Together, we can pack hope and deliver it to the places where it’s needed most.